Zara is one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands. It offers trendy, affordable clothing in over 90 markets. But many people wonder—who owns Zara? In this article, we’ll look at the history, ownership, leadership, financials, and subsidiaries of this global fashion giant.
History of Zara
Zara was founded in 1975 in A Coruña, Spain. The founders were Amancio Ortega and Rosalía Mera. The first store sold low-priced lookalike products of popular high-end fashion.
Ortega’s vision was clear from the start—affordable, stylish clothing with fast turnaround. This idea gave birth to the concept of “fast fashion.”
In 1985, Inditext (Industria de Diseño Textil, S.A.) was formed as a holding company for Zara. This allowed the brand to expand globally.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Zara opened stores in Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East. Its success led to the launch of other brands under the same parent company.
Who Owns Zara in 2025
Zara is owned by Inditex, a Spanish multinational clothing company. Inditex is one of the largest fashion retailers in the world. It is a publicly traded company listed on the Bolsa de Madrid under the ticker ITX. The largest shareholder of Inditex is its founder, Amancio Ortega.
Ortega’s control over Zara comes through his majority stake in Inditex. Although Zara is only one brand under the Inditex umbrella, it is the most profitable and internationally known.
Parent Company: Inditex
Inditex is a publicly traded Spanish multinational headquartered in Arteixo, Galicia. It was established in 1985 to consolidate the growing retail business started by Zara’s founders, Amancio Ortega and Rosalía Mera.
Zara is the flagship brand of Inditex and contributes the majority of its revenue. Inditex manages all corporate decisions related to Zara, including store expansion, digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and sustainability policies.
Inditex trades on the Bolsa de Madrid under the ticker symbol ITX. As of 2025, its market cap is over €110 billion.
Here’s a list of the shareholders of Inditex as of 2025 (the parent company of Zara):
| Shareholder | Ownership % | Type | Role and Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amancio Ortega Gaona | 59.29% | Individual | Founder of Zara and Inditex; holds majority control via Pontegadea and Partler. |
| Pontegadea Inversiones, S.L. | 50.01% | Holding Company | Controlled by Amancio Ortega for managing investments and Inditex shares. |
| Partler Participaciones, S.L.U. | 9.28% | Holding Company | Also owned by Amancio Ortega for minority share management. |
| Sandra Ortega Mera | 5.05% | Individual | Daughter of Ortega; shareholder via Rosp Corunna; no executive role. |
| Rosp Corunna Participaciones Empresariales, S.L. | 5.05% | Holding Company | Investment vehicle for Sandra Ortega. |
| Capital Research and Management Company | 1.71% | Institutional | Long-term institutional investor. |
| BlackRock, Inc. | 1.41% | Institutional | Major asset manager; invests through ETFs and funds. |
| The Vanguard Group, Inc. | 1.33% | Institutional | Passive investment firm; significant voting rights. |
| Norges Bank Investment Management | 1.01% | Institutional | Norwegian sovereign wealth fund; focuses on sustainable investing. |
| Amundi Asset Management | 0.74% | Institutional | French-based asset manager with long-term equity positions. |
| Fidelity International Ltd | 0.45% | Institutional | Global investment firm focused on high-quality equities. |
| Walter Scott & Partners Limited | 0.32% | Institutional | Conservative investment firm with global portfolio holdings. |
| Public Shareholders | ~27.39% | Retail & Institutional | Includes all other minor shareholders trading on public markets. |
Ownership and Control
Though Inditex is a public company, the Ortega family retains majority control:
- Amancio Ortega, Zara’s founder, owns 59.29% of Inditex through his private holding companies Pontegadea Inversiones and Partler Participaciones.
- Sandra Ortega, his daughter, owns 5.05% through Rosp Corunna Participaciones.
- The rest of the shares are held by institutional investors and the public.
This structure means that although Zara is publicly owned through Inditex, it is effectively controlled by the Ortega family, especially Amancio Ortega.
Corporate Governance and Leadership
Inditex governs Zara through a central executive team and board of directors. The group’s current CEO, Óscar García Maceiras, oversees all operations, including Zara’s.
Strategic vision and corporate policies are shaped by the board, chaired by Marta Ortega Pérez, daughter of Amancio Ortega. Marta assumed the role of chair in 2022, reinforcing the Ortega family’s lasting influence on Zara’s direction.
Legal and Operational Structure
Zara does not function as a separate legal entity. It operates as a division within Inditex, without its own independent board or CEO. All decisions, from pricing to logistics, are made by Inditex’s centralized leadership.
Who is the CEO of Zara?
Zara, as a brand under Inditex, is led by the group’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Óscar García Maceiras. Appointed in November 2021, García Maceiras has been instrumental in steering Inditex through a period of strategic transformation and growth.
Background of Óscar García Maceiras
Before ascending to the CEO position, García Maceiras served as Inditex’s General Counsel and Secretary of the Board. His professional journey encompasses significant roles in both the public and private sectors, including positions at Banco Pastor, Banco Popular, SAREB, and Banco Santander. His diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, legal frameworks, and strategic management.
Leadership Style and Strategic Initiatives
Under García Maceiras’s leadership, Inditex has embraced a hybrid retail model that seamlessly integrates physical stores with digital platforms. This approach has been pivotal in enhancing customer experience and expanding the company’s global footprint.
Notably, he has emphasized the importance of sustainability, leading Inditex to co-chair The Fashion Pact, a global coalition committed to environmental goals in the fashion industry.
García Maceiras’s tenure has also seen significant investments in logistics and technology, including the acquisition of a major logistics center in Zaragoza, Spain, to bolster Inditex’s supply chain capabilities.
Decision-Making Structure
Inditex operates under a dual leadership model:
- Chairwoman: Marta Ortega Pérez, daughter of founder Amancio Ortega, has served as the non-executive chairwoman since April 2022. While she does not engage in daily operations, her role is crucial in setting the company’s strategic vision and upholding its core values.
- CEO: Óscar García Maceiras oversees the company’s operational management, executing strategies and ensuring organizational efficiency.
This bifurcated structure allows for a balance between strategic oversight and operational execution, fostering a cohesive leadership dynamic.
Historical Leadership
Prior to García Maceiras, Inditex’s leadership included:
- Carlos Crespo: Served as CEO from July 2019 to November 2021, focusing on digital transformation and sustainability initiatives.
- Pablo Isla: Held the roles of CEO and later Executive Chairman from 2005 to 2021, overseeing a period of significant global expansion and innovation.
Who Controls Zara?
While Inditex is a publicly traded company, control over Zara is predominantly held by its founder, Amancio Ortega, and his family.
Major Shareholders
- Amancio Ortega: Through his holding companies, Pontegadea Inversiones and Partler Participaciones, Ortega owns approximately 59.29% of Inditex, granting him substantial influence over corporate decisions.
- Sandra Ortega Mera: Daughter of Amancio Ortega, she holds a 5.05% stake via Rosp Corunna Participaciones Empresariales.
The remaining shares are distributed among institutional investors and public shareholders, including Capital Research and Management Company, BlackRock, The Vanguard Group, and others.
Board of Directors
Inditex’s board comprises a mix of proprietary and independent directors, ensuring a balance of perspectives in governance. Key members include:
- Marta Ortega Pérez: Chairwoman
- Óscar García Maceiras: CEO
- José Arnau Sierra: Deputy Chairman
The board’s composition reflects a commitment to maintaining the company’s founding principles while adapting to contemporary business challenges.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Zara
In the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, Zara, along with Zara Home, generated combined sales of €27.78 billion, accounting for approximately 72% of Inditex’s total revenue of €38.63 billion. This significant contribution underscores Zara’s position as the primary revenue driver within the Inditex portfolio.
In May 2025, Zara’s e-commerce platform, zara.com, reported online sales revenue of approximately $169.2 million, with an average order value ranging between $75 and $100. This performance highlights the brand’s robust online presence and its ability to adapt to the evolving digital retail landscape.
As of 2025, Zara’s brand value is estimated to be approximately $13 billion, reflecting its strong market position and global recognition in the fast-fashion industry.
Below is an overview of the historical revenue and net worth of Zara:
| Year | Revenue (€ Billion) | Brand Valuation (€ Billion) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 14.5 | 24.0 | Steady growth in global markets. |
| 2016 | 15.4 | 25.5 | Expansion in Asia and online channels. |
| 2017 | 16.7 | 26.0 | Continued international expansion. |
| 2018 | 18.1 | 26.9 | Zara ranked as the second most valuable apparel brand globally. |
| 2019 | 19.6 | 27.5 | Peak pre-pandemic performance. |
| 2020 | 14.2 | 22.0 | Revenue decline due to COVID-19 impact. |
| 2021 | 19.7 | 24.5 | Recovery driven by e-commerce growth. |
| 2022 | 23.9 | 26.0 | Strong rebound with digital integration. |
| 2023 | 26.2 | 27.0 | Continued growth in online and physical stores. |
| 2024 | 27.8 | 28.0 | Record revenue with a 6.6% increase over 2023. |
| 2025 | 28.5 (Projected) | 29.0 (Estimated) | Anticipated growth through digital and logistics investments. |
Brands Owned by Zara
As of 2025, Zara has expanded its brand portfolio beyond its core fashion lines, introducing innovative sub-brands and ventures to cater to diverse consumer segments.
Below is an overview of Zara’s owned brands and initiatives:
| Brand/Initiative | Description | Focus | Key Features | Launch Year | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zara Woman | Zara’s core brand offering women’s fashion, from casual wear to formal attire. | Women’s fashion | Trendy yet classic styles; eco-friendly fabrics; seasonal collections; includes accessories like handbags, shoes, and scarves. | 1975 | Adult women |
| Zara Man | A comprehensive collection for men’s fashion, blending classic styles with modern trends. | Men’s fashion | Mix of office wear, casual clothing, and streetwear; tailored fits; durable fabrics; accessories like belts, wallets, and bags. | 1985 | Adult men |
| Zara Kids | Clothing line designed for children from newborn to pre-adolescents. | Children’s fashion | Comfortable and stylish clothing; vibrant colors and durable fabrics; sustainable practices; includes casual wear, formal attire, and accessories. | 1998 | Children (0–14) |
| Z3D | Zara’s streetwear brand targeting teenagers, offering bold, trendy designs. | Teen fashion (ages 14+) | Edgy designs; oversized hoodies, graphic tees, sneakers; sustainability with recycled materials; appeal to Gen Z for self-expression. | 2024 | Teenagers (14–18) |
| SR_A Engineered by Zara | A collaboration with designer Samuel Ross, blending streetwear and luxury fashion. | High-end streetwear | Limited-edition collections; bold graphics; technical fabrics; sustainability focus with recycled materials; urban luxury aesthetic. | 2024 | Young adults, luxury-seekers |
| Zacaffé | Zara’s café concept that enhances the shopping experience with high-quality coffee and pastries in-store. | Lifestyle and hospitality | In-store coffee shops; minimalist décor; chic ambiance; high-quality coffee; expansion into international markets (e.g., South Korea, Japan). | 2024 | Zara shoppers, coffee enthusiasts |
Zara Woman
Zara Woman is the cornerstone of Zara’s global appeal, offering a wide range of fashion-forward women’s apparel. The collection includes everything from office wear to evening dresses, casual wear, and seasonal collections. Known for its fast-fashion model, Zara Woman quickly brings runway trends into stores, allowing consumers to shop the latest looks within weeks.
The line is highly popular for its ability to combine contemporary trends with classic styles, making it accessible to a wide demographic. Zara Woman also frequently incorporates eco-friendly fabrics, as part of Zara’s broader commitment to sustainability, while maintaining its signature chic, stylish appeal.
In addition to clothing, Zara Woman offers a variety of accessories, including handbags, shoes, and scarves, enabling the brand to provide a complete wardrobe solution for its customers. This versatility has made it a key player in the global fashion industry.
Zara Man
Zara Man serves as the male counterpart to Zara Woman, providing an extensive selection of men’s clothing that blends modernity with practicality. The line offers a mix of office-appropriate attire such as suits and formal shirts, alongside casual wear like denim jeans, t-shirts, and jackets. Zara Man also embraces athleisure and streetwear, incorporating contemporary designs into everyday clothing.
Known for its high-quality fabrics, Zara Man maintains a sharp focus on fit and comfort while aligning with the fast-paced demands of modern fashion. The brand frequently releases seasonal collections to keep pace with trends, while also offering timeless pieces that cater to classic tastes.
Accessories like leather belts, wallets, bags, and shoes also form an integral part of the Zara Man collection, allowing men to complete their outfits with ease. The brand’s global reach ensures that its designs remain culturally relevant, attracting customers in cities across the world.
Zara Kids
Zara Kids focuses on the fashion needs of children, providing clothing for newborns up to pre-adolescents. This line features vibrant, comfortable, and stylish options, with collections designed to cater to every occasion, from casual daywear to more formal attire for special events. Zara Kids combines comfort with style, using durable fabrics and stretchy materials to ensure the clothes are easy for children to wear and move in.
Zara Kids is committed to quality, offering clothing that matches the durability needed for younger age groups. Additionally, it integrates sustainable practices in fabric choices and production methods, much like Zara’s adult lines. The collection includes a wide range of items, from casual t-shirts and leggings to coats, dresses, and shoes, catering to the full wardrobe needs of children.
The brand is also increasingly incorporating playful, imaginative elements into its collections, appealing to both parents and kids alike. Zara Kids continues to grow as a fashion choice for families, maintaining Zara’s signature trend-forward approach while keeping comfort as a key factor.
Z3D
Launched in 2024, Z3D is Zara’s bold new venture aimed at capturing the Gen Z market. Targeting teenagers aged 14 and above, Z3D focuses on streetwear-inspired fashion with edgy designs, bold prints, and experimental pieces. This brand allows younger consumers to express themselves through fashion, embracing individualism and non-conformity.
Z3D offers everything from oversized hoodies and graphic tees to distressed jeans and sneakers. The collection features vibrant colors, eye-catching graphics, and a mix of oversized and form-fitting garments, blending urban street style with cutting-edge fashion trends.
In addition to its commitment to unique designs, Z3D is also attuned to sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and eco-conscious production processes into its collections. This is part of Zara’s overall strategy to appeal to the socially-conscious younger generation, who prioritize environmental and ethical considerations when shopping.
SR_A Engineered by Zara
SR_A Engineered by Zara is a high-end streetwear collaboration between Zara and British designer Samuel Ross, launched in 2024. Combining luxury with everyday wear, SR_A focuses on limited-edition collections that fuse high fashion with urban aesthetics.
The brand is a mix of streetwear and tailored pieces, incorporating cutting-edge designs with a focus on sustainability. Each collection from SR_A features innovative designs, such as oversized silhouettes, technical fabrics, and bold branding. The line has been lauded for its ability to bring luxury to fast fashion without losing its edge.
Sustainability is a central theme for SR_A, with each collection using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, and focusing on reducing waste. The high-end streetwear line is also promoting circular fashion, offering initiatives for recycling and upcycling products. SR_A Engineered by Zara aims to appeal to customers who seek unique, limited-edition pieces that also reflect ethical and environmental values.
Zacaffé
Zacaffé is Zara’s recent entry into the hospitality and lifestyle sector. Launched in 2024, Zacaffé is a coffee shop chain designed to enhance the in-store shopping experience. It merges Zara’s commitment to style with a curated café experience, offering high-quality coffee and pastries in chic, comfortable settings.
The in-store cafés are strategically placed within Zara’s flagship stores and shopping centers, creating a relaxed atmosphere where customers can unwind during their shopping visits. The cafes emphasize a minimalist design, featuring sleek décor that aligns with Zara’s overall brand aesthetic.
As of 2025, Zacaffé is set for further expansion, with new locations planned in major international markets, including South Korea and Japan. This strategic move not only serves to enhance customer experience but also positions Zara as a lifestyle brand that extends beyond fashion. Zacaffé reflects Zara’s ability to innovate and tap into new industries while maintaining its focus on quality and customer engagement.
Final Thoughts
Zara is not owned by a single person but by Inditex, a giant holding company. However, Amancio Ortega, through his large shareholding in Inditex, still controls the brand’s strategic direction. Zara’s success is deeply tied to Ortega’s vision, even though he has stepped away from daily operations.
The company continues to thrive under new leadership. Its ability to adapt and innovate keeps Zara at the top of the global fashion market.
FAQs
Who is the original owner of Zara?
The original owner of Zara is Amancio Ortega, a Spanish businessman and founder of Inditex, the parent company of Zara. He opened the first Zara store in 1975 in La Coruña, Spain. Ortega played a pivotal role in shaping Zara into the global fashion giant it is today.
Does Ratan Tata own Zara?
No, Ratan Tata, the Indian industrialist and former chairman of Tata Group, does not own Zara. Zara is owned by Amancio Ortega and the Inditex group, with Ortega being the largest shareholder.
Who is the largest shareholder of Zara?
The largest shareholder of Zara is Amancio Ortega, the founder of Inditex. Ortega holds a substantial stake in Inditex, which owns Zara, and he has controlled the company since its inception.
Is Zara owned by Gucci?
No, Zara is not owned by Gucci. Zara is owned by Inditex, a separate company founded by Amancio Ortega. Gucci, on the other hand, is part of the luxury group Kering, and the two brands operate in entirely different segments of the fashion industry.
Which country is Zara from?
Zara is from Spain. It was founded in La Coruña, a city in the northwestern region of Spain, by Amancio Ortega and Rosalía Mera in 1975.
Is Mango owned by Zara?
No, Mango is not owned by Zara. Mango is a Spanish fashion retailer that operates independently. While both Zara and Mango are competitors in the fast-fashion market, they are separate entities with different ownership.
Is Zara owned by Louis Vuitton?
No, Zara is not owned by Louis Vuitton. Zara is owned by Inditex, a Spanish multinational corporation, while Louis Vuitton is part of the LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), a French luxury conglomerate. The two companies are entirely separate.
Is Zara owned by H&M?
No, Zara is not owned by H&M. Zara and H&M are both prominent fast-fashion retailers, but they are two separate entities. Zara is owned by Inditex, while H&M is a Swedish company, owned by H&M Group.
Who is the daughter of Zara CEO?
The current CEO of Zara is Óscar Pérez Marcote (as of 2025). However, there are no widely known public figures or information about his personal family, including a daughter. Previous CEOs of Zara were typically high-level managers from Inditex, but personal family details often remain private.
Who is the owner of Zara married to?
Amancio Ortega, the founder and former CEO of Zara, was married to Rosalía Mera. They divorced in 1986. She was his first wife and co-founder of Zara, but Ortega is currently not remarried and is known to keep his personal life private.
Who is the son of Zara?
There is no widely recognized public figure known as the son of Zara. However, Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara, has a daughter named Sandra Ortega Mera, who is a key shareholder in Inditex. There is no prominent information about a son linked to the ownership or management of Zara.
Who owns Zara company?
Zara is owned by Inditex (Industria de Diseño Textil Sociedad Anónima), a multinational company founded by Amancio Ortega. Ortega remains the largest shareholder of Inditex, which controls Zara as its flagship brand.
Who owns Zara stores?
The stores of Zara are owned by Inditex, the parent company of Zara. Amancio Ortega is the largest shareholder in Inditex, but the operational control and ownership of Zara’s physical stores and global network rest with the Inditex Group.
Is Zara still owned by Amancio Ortega?
Yes, Ortega owns a majority of Inditex shares, which means he effectively controls Zara through that ownership.
Is Zara a private or public company?
Zara itself is not a public company. It is a brand under Inditex, which is publicly traded on the Spanish stock exchange.
Who is Marta Ortega?
Marta Ortega is the daughter of Amancio Ortega. She is the current chair of Inditex and plays a key role in the group’s leadership.
How much of Inditex does Amancio Ortega own?
He owns approximately 59.29% of Inditex, making him the largest shareholder.