B arbara Benetton is an Italian heiress and a member of the second generation of the famed Benetton family. She is the daughter of the late Gilberto Benetton, one of the four siblings who founded the Benetton Group in 1965, which became world-famous for its colorful United Colors of Benetton clothing brand. While the brand was the family's public face, the bulk of their wealth was built through their holding company, Edizione.

After her father's death, Barbara, along with her sister Sabrina, inherited his stake in Edizione. This holding company controls a vast and diversified empire that extends far beyond fashion. Its most significant asset is its controlling stake in Mundys (formerly Atlantia), a massive global infrastructure operator that manages airports (including Rome's airport) and toll roads. Edizione also has interests in travel retail (Dufry), food services (Autogrill), and real estate. Barbara serves on the board of Edizione, representing her branch of the family in overseeing these vast holdings.