Dona Bertarelli

$7.44 B

Ranked #493 in World

About Dona Bertarelli

Donata Bertarelli, a Swiss-Italian business magnate and philanthropist, is recognized for her multifaceted contributions extending from biotech innovation to global sustainability. Born in 1968 in Rome and inheriting the groundbreaking biotech company Serono, she holds a BSc from Boston University. Notable for her sailing accomplishments, including the Bol d’Or Mirabaud and America Discovery Route records, Bertarelli also excels in philanthropy as a co-founder of the Bertarelli Foundation and adviser to UNCTAD. Her advocacy for the blue economy and nature conservation reflects her commitment to both entrepreneurial success and environmental stewardship.

Born

January 01, 1968 in Rome, Italy

Age

58 years

Source Of Wealth

Biotech And Investments

Industries

Healthcare

Citizenship

Switzerland

Residence

Gstaad

Children

Dona Bertarelli, born Donata Guichard Bertarelli on October 24, 1968, in Rome, Italy, is a Swiss businesswoman of Italian origin. She is the daughter of Fabio Bertarelli, who inherited Serono, a biotechnology company founded in 1906. Bertarelli holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's College of Communication.

Dona Bertarelli: Family

Bertarelli is married to Ernesto Bertarelli, a Swiss businessman, and they have three children together. She is also the stepmother to Ernesto's two children from his previous marriage.

Dona Bertarelli: Career Highlights

Bertarelli has had a successful career in business, philanthropy, and sailing. She is the co-president of the Bertarelli Foundation, which promotes scientific, social, and economic knowledge in the field of infertility. She is also an accomplished sailor, winning the 2010 Bol d'Or Mirabaud and the Rolex Fastnet in 2013 with her team Spindrift Racing. Additionally, she set a new record for the America Discovery Route in 2013.

Dona Bertarelli: Companies

Bertarelli has been involved in several companies throughout her career. She was the Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs at Serono, a biotechnology company founded by her father, from 1992 to 1997. She also took over the five-star Grand Hôtel Park in Gstaad in 2003 and appointed Grace Leo as CEO of Ledunfly Hospitality in 2017.

Dona Bertarelli: Major Achievements

Bertarelli's major achievements include co-founding the Bertarelli Foundation, winning the Bol d'Or Mirabaud and the Rolex Fastnet, setting a new record for the America Discovery Route, and becoming a special adviser to UNCTAD in 2020.

Dona Bertarelli: Awards & Achievements

Bertarelli has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in business, philanthropy, and sailing. She was named "Businesswoman of the Year" by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and was awarded the "Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur" by the French government in 2013. She was also named one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" by Fortune magazine in 2014.

Dona Bertarelli: Personal Life & Legacy

Bertarelli is married to Ernesto Bertarelli and they have three children together.

She is also the stepmother to Ernesto's two children from his previous marriage. She is known for her philanthropic work and her commitment to environmental protection. She is an ambassador for the Swiss transfusion charity Ma Vie Ton Sang and a supporter of the World Health Organization's 'Go Red for Women' campaign. She is also the godmother to the Womanity charity (formerly Smiling Children).

Dona Bertarelli: Trivia

Bertarelli is an avid sailor and has competed in numerous races with her team Spindrift Racing. She is the first woman to win the Bol d'Or Mirabaud since its inception in 1939. She also holds the record for the fastest woman to sail around the world, set in 2015. Additionally, she is a published author and has written several op-eds on topics such as gender equality, ocean conservation, and environmental protection.

Wealth History

Timeline

1968

Dona Bertarelli (Donata Guichard Bertarelli, Donata Bertarelli Späth, Donata Bertarelli Spaeth) was born in Rome, Italy.

1992

Bertarelli became active in the family business, Serono, as Executive Director, Public and Professional Affairs.

1997

Bertarelli left Serono.

1999

Bertarelli co-founded the Bertarelli Foundation to promote scientific, social, and economic knowledge in the field of infertility.

2003

Bertarelli took over the five-star Grand Hôtel Park in Gstaad.

2007

Serono was sold to Merck KGaA.

2010

Bertarelli won the Bol d’Or Mirabaud, becoming the first helmswoman to win the race since its inception in 1939.

2013

Bertarelli bought Maxi Banque Populaire V for Spindrift racing team, renamed Maxi Spindrift 2. She co-skippered the team to victory in the 45th Rolex Fastnet and set a new record for the America Discovery Route.

2015

Bertarelli defended her title at the 46th Rolex Fastnet race. She also attempted to break the record for a crewed non-stop circumnavigation (Jules Verne Trophy) in November, becoming the fastest woman to sail around the world.

2017

Bertarelli appointed Grace Leo as CEO of Ledunfly Hospitality.

2020

Bertarelli became a special adviser to UNCTAD. She co-authored an article on the need for blue recovery sustainability in July.

2021

Bertarelli's Bertarelli Rare Cancers Fund supported USD 15 million in research projects and community building. She launched the Sports for Nature partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in October to raise awareness for environmental protection through sports.

2022

Bertarelli continued pursuit of record-breaking attempts, appealing for the protection of 30% of the planet by 2030. She put crew on standby again in October for a renewed attempt at the Jules Verne Trophy record.

Dona Bertarelli : FAQs

What is Dona Bertarelli's current net worth?

Dona Bertarelli's current net worth is $7.44 billion.

What is Dona Bertarelli's current global rank among billionaires?

Dona Bertarelli holds the 493rd position globally among billionaires.

What is Dona Bertarelli's current ranking within the Switzerland?

Dona Bertarelli holds the 8th position in Switzerland.

What was the change in Dona Bertarelli's net worth compared to the previous year?

Dona Bertarelli's net worth decreased by 12.05 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when her net worth was 7.45 billion dollars.

What are Dona Bertarelli's main sources of wealth?

Dona Bertarelli's main source of income comes from Biotech And Investments.

In which industry does Dona Bertarelli primarily operate?

Dona Bertarelli is primarily involved in the Healthcare industry.

How old is Dona Bertarelli?

Dona Bertarelli is 58 years old.

Who is Dona Bertarelli and what are her main accomplishments?

Dona Bertarelli, born in 1968 in Rome, is a Swiss businesswoman of Italian origin and co-president of the Bertarelli Foundation. She's an accomplished sailor with victories in the 2010 Bol d’Or Mirabaud and the 2013 Rolex Fastnet with her team Spindrift Racing. She set a new record for the America Discovery Route in 2013 and became an adviser to UNCTAD in 2020.

What is Dona Bertarelli's background in business and her role in Serono?

Dona Bertarelli was involved in her family business, Serono, a biotechnology company, from 1992 to 1997 as Executive Director, Public and Professional Affairs. She played a key role in establishing the Serono Symposi and the Serono Foundation. After Serono was sold to Merck KGaA in 2007, she took over the Grand Hôtel Park in Gstaad in 2003 and appointed Grace Leo as CEO of Ledunfly Hospitality in 2017.

What philanthropic efforts has Dona Bertarelli been involved in?

Dona Bertarelli co-founded the Bertarelli Foundation in 1999, served as its Chairman for ten years, and has supported initiatives like blue recovery sustainability and the Blue economy with UNCTAD. She praised the decision to protect Tristan da Cunha's waters in 2020, supported rare cancer research with USD 15 million in 2021, launched a Sports for Nature partnership in 2022, and has been an ambassador for several charity campaigns.

What sailing achievements has Dona Bertarelli accomplished with Spindrift Racing?

Dona Bertarelli has had a successful sailing career with Spindrift Racing, winning the Bol d’Or Mirabaud in 2010, becoming the first helmswoman to win since 1939, and the Rolex Fastnet race in 2013. She co-skippered to set a new record for the America Discovery Route in the same year, defending her title in the Rolex Fastnet in 2015, and continues to pursue record-breaking attempts, such as the Jules Verne Trophy.

What published editorials has Dona Bertarelli contributed to regarding ocean preservation?

Dona Bertarelli has authored editorials emphasizing ocean conservation and sustainable practices such as 'The blue economy is an ocean of opportunity to advance gender equality' (March 22, 2021), 'It’s High Time to Protect Our High Seas' (August 26, 2022), and 'To protect the Southern Ocean, leaders must act now' (October 24, 2022), advocating for the protection of marine environments.