Rosalia Mera Biography: Husband, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Children, Obituary

Rosalía Mera Goyenechea was a Spanish billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist, best known as the founder and former chairwoman of Inditex, the global fashion conglomerate recognized for its iconic chains, Zara and Bershka.

Mera is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the fast fashion industry.

In addition to her business achievements, she dedicated herself to philanthropy, establishing the Paideia Foundation to support the social integration of individuals with disabilities.

She was also an active advocate for women’s rights and healthcare, using her platform to promote important social and political causes.

Profile

• Full Name: Rosalía Mera Goyenechea
• Stage Name: Rosalia Mera
• Born: January 28, 1944
• Died: August 15 2013
• Age: 69 years old
• Birthplace: A Coruña, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Occupation: Spanish businesswoman and entrepreneur
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Rosario Goyenechea Baladrón
• Siblings: Marta Ortega and Marcos Ortega Mera.
• Spouse: Amancio Ortega (m. 1966–1986)
• Children: Sandra Ortega Mera and Marcos Ortega Mera
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $6.1 billion

Early Life And Education

Rosalía Mera Goyenechea was born on January 28, 1944, in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. She was the daughter of Rosario Goyenechea Baladrón, who operated a butcher’s shop, and a father who worked for an electricity company.  

Mera faced early challenges, including dropping out of school at age eleven to work as a sales assistant in a clothing shop, where she gained valuable experience in the retail industry. She had two siblings: Marta Ortega and Marcos Ortega Mera. She is of Galician and Spanish descent, and Mera identified as Catholic.

Career

Rosalía Mera began her entrepreneurial journey by designing gowns and lingerie in her home alongside her then-husband, Amancio Ortega Gaona. 1975, they opened the first Zara store in A Coruña, which began a global fashion empire.

Zara’s success was driven by its innovative strategy of quickly replicating high-fashion designs and making them accessible at affordable prices. This model sets it apart from competitors in the retail industry.

A decade after the first Zara store, Mera and Ortega established Inditex, a holding company that consolidated their growing business ventures. With Zara as its flagship, Inditex expanded to include various other brands, such as Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Uterque, and Zara Home.

The company’s rapid global expansion saw it operate over 6,000 stores across more than 86 countries, employing over 120,000 people. Despite her 1986 divorce from Ortega, Mera retained a significant 7% stake in Inditex, maintaining a key role in the company’s success.

By 2013, according to Forbes’ billionaire list, Mera had earned recognition as the wealthiest self-made female entrepreneur in the world, with a net worth surpassing $6 billion. She was also the second-wealthiest person in Spain, behind her former husband.

In addition to her fashion ventures, Mera has invested in a fingerprinting identification company for newborns and Zeltia, a biopharmaceutical firm researching cancer-fighting compounds. Through these diverse interests, she continued to make a significant impact in both business and philanthropy.

Social Media

Rosalia Mera does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Rosalía Mera married Amancio Ortega Gaona in 1966, and together, they had two children, Sandra and Marcos. The couple divorced in 1986, but Mera retained a significant stake in Inditex, Zara’s parent company. Following the divorce, there are no public records of any subsequent relationships. Mera passed away on August 15, 2013, at 69.

Net Worth

Rosalía Mera, co-founder of Inditex and a prominent Spanish businesswoman, had a net worth of around $6.1 billion at the time of her death in 2013.

She was recognized as the wealthiest self-made woman globally, holding approximately 7% of Inditex stock, which includes the Zara brand. After passing, her daughter, Sandra Ortega Mera, inherited her wealth and became Spain’s richest woman.