Diego Della Valle graduated from the University of Bologna in 1975 before transforming his family's shoemaking business into the luxury conglomerate Tod's. Raised in Sant'Elpidio a Mare, he expanded the firm his grandfather Filippo founded into a global presence. Throughout his career, he has balanced manufacturing operations with diverse investments across the Italian corporate landscape.
Expansion and Brand Management
Della Valle assumed control of the family business in 1978 and rebranded the enterprise as J.P. Tod's. He later streamlined the name to Tod's in 1999 to resolve consumer confusion. His strategy included international retail expansion and portfolio diversification, such as acquiring the Schiaparelli brand in 2007. He further participated in high-speed rail development through the launch of Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori alongside Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, eventually selling the venture in 2018 for a significant profit.
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Beyond footwear, Della Valle established influence through various holdings and board memberships. He became a significant investor in Saks, Inc. between 2009 and 2010 and held stakes in companies including Marcolin, Bialetti, and Piaggio. His boardroom presence has extended to firms such as LVMH, Ferrari, and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro. Additionally, his Gruppo Diego Della Valle holding has maintained interests in luxury and industrial sectors for decades.
Legal and Regulatory Controversies
His tenure has been marked by significant legal challenges. In the 2000s, his ownership of ACF Fiorentina became central to the Calciopoli scandal, leading to a criminal conviction for sports fraud. Although sentenced to prison in 2011, he did not serve time due to the statute of limitations. More recently, in 2024, he faced scrutiny regarding accounting practices and shareholder relations following the acquisition of Roger Vivier, while simultaneously dealing with trademark litigation concerning the Tod's logo.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Sant'Elpidio a Mare
- Education: University of Bologna, 1975
- Key Award: Order of Merit for Labour, 1996
- Primary Enterprise: Tod's S.p.A.
- Nationality: Italy
- Calciopoli Conviction: 2011
Questions readers ask
What is Diego Della Valle's connection to ACF Fiorentina?
He purchased the football club in 2002 but later sold it after receiving a criminal conviction for sports fraud during the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal.
Did Della Valle serve a prison sentence for his conviction?
No, although he was sentenced to 15 months in 2011, the statute of limitations expired during his appeals process.
Achievements
- Order of Merit for Labour — 1996
- Affiliated with Tod's S.p.A.
- Educated at University of Bologna
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