Diego Della Valle President and CEO of Tod's Date of Birth: 30.12.1953 Country: Italy

1. President and CEO of Tod's
2. Early Life and Education
3. Business Success
4. Family Business and Expansion
5. Political Involvement and Other Ventures
6. Personal Life

President and CEO of Tod's

Diego Della Valle is the president and CEO of Tod's, an Italian company that produces leather footwear and other products. He is credited with introducing iconic moccasins and the legendary D-Bag to the fashion world. Della Valle has successfully attracted many celebrities to endorse his iconic products, making Tod's a popular brand worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Diego Della Valle was born on December 30, 1953, in Sant'Elpidio a Mare, Italy. His father, Dorino Della Valle, and his grandfather, Filippo Della Valle, were both involved in the footwear business. Filippo started the shoe business in the 1920s, which his grandson later expanded into the globally recognized brand, Tod's. Della Valle initially studied law at the University of Bologna, but decided to immerse himself in the family footwear business.

Business Success

Even at a young age, Della Valle displayed remarkable business acumen and a deep understanding of marketing. He leveraged the influence of various celebrities to promote his family's company. One of his close friends, Luca di Montezemolo, the president of Ferrari, played a significant role in turning Tod's moccasins into a legendary brand. Giovanni Agnelli, the CEO of FIAT, wore Tod's shoes during televised football matches featuring the Juventus club, which resulted in a surge in Tod's footwear sales.

Family Business and Expansion

Currently, Della Valle manages Tod's alongside his brother, Andrea. His son, Emanuele, also plays a role in the family business as the creative director. Della Valle's wife, Barbara Pistilli, designed the production factory in Sant'Elpidio a Mare. In the 1980s, Della Valle also founded the brand FAY, known for its high-quality casual clothing. FAY is renowned for its attention to detail, superior materials, and functional yet stylish designs suitable for both sports enthusiasts and office workers, as well as urban and rural dwellers.

Political Involvement and Other Ventures

Della Valle publicly criticized Silvio Berlusconi for imposing excessive taxes on large businesses and expressed his dissatisfaction with the politician's inability to support small businesses in Italy. In response, Berlusconi threatened to sue Della Valle for defamation. Besides his involvement in Tod's, Della Valle serves on the boards of companies such as Ferrari, Maserati, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, and LVMH. He purchased the Tuscan football club Fiorentina in 2002.

Personal Life

Della Valle dedicates his Sundays to relaxation, while his weekdays are meticulously scheduled, starting at 6 am and ending around 11 pm. When he has free time, he enjoys spending it with friends and watching movies. Della Valle is confident that his brother and a team of skilled managers will effectively handle the business when he eventually steps down.