Inditex hails next generation, naming new chair and chief executive

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Inditex has completed a “generational handover” with its founder’s daughter, Marta Ortega Perez, set to take the reins.

Ortega Perez will replace Pablo Isla, who has held the role since 2011, as chair of the Spanish fashion giant from April 1 next year.

Her father, Amancio Ortega, founded the Zara business in 1975 with his ex-wife, Rosalia.

Ortega Perez has spent the past 15 years working in various roles across the business, including the finance, accounting, sales analysis and design departments.

She has particularly been hailed for her “strengthening of Zara’s brand image and fashion proposition” – a mission she will continue in her new role.

Ortega Perez said: “I have lived and breathed this company since my childhood, and I have learned from all the great professionals I have worked with over the last 15 years.

“I have always said that I would dedicate my life to building upon my parents’ legacy, looking to the future but learning from the past and serving the company, our shareholders and our customers where I’m most needed.

“I’m deeply honoured by the trust that has been placed in me and enormously excited about the future that we are all about to embark upon together.”

The announcement of her new role comes at the same time as Óscar García Maceiras’ appointment as chief executive officer for the group.

Maceiras has acted as general counsel and company secretary for Inditex since March 2021 and will take on his new role with immediate effect.

Former chief executive Carlos Crespo has been appointed chief operating officer for the group.

Maceiras said: “I assume with great responsibility and enthusiasm the new functions entrusted to me with the peace of mind of having a great team, full of youth, experience and talent in all the areas and countries in which we are present, of which the management committee we have established is a good example.”

Outgoing chair Isla added: “I would like to thank the board, and especially Amancio Ortega, for the support and trust placed in me during all these years.

“Now we believe that the time has come to turn a new page, with Marta Ortega as chair and Óscar García Maceiras as chief executive officer, whose appointment was already foreseen since his incorporation into the company due to his abilities and qualities.”