Ernesto Bertarelli is a Swiss-Italian businessman, the self-made billionaire former CEO of Serono SA, and a world-renowned sailing champion. Born in Rome, Italy, in 1965, his family moved to Switzerland in 1977. His grandfather, Pietro Bertarelli, joined the pharmaceutical company Serono in 1935 (founded in 1906).

Bertarelli received an elite education: he graduated from Babson College in 1989 and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1993. He and his sister, Dona Bertarelli, inherited ownership of Serono in 1998 upon their father's death, though Ernesto had already been CEO since 1996. This blend of generational industrial heritage and elite business training prepared him to transform the company into a biotechnology powerhouse.

Ernesto Bertarelli's career is defined by two monumental achievements. 1996–2007: Biotech Transformation. As CEO, he shifted Serono's focus from traditional pharmaceuticals to biotechnology, specializing in treatments for multiple sclerosis and infertility. This strategic pivot increased revenues dramatically (from $809 million in 1996 to $2.8 billion in 2006). The family sold the company to Merck KGaA in 2007 for a massive $13.3 billion, securing his fortune.

Sailing Champion: His greatest personal passion is sailing. He founded the yachting syndicate Team Alinghi in 2000, which went on to win the America's Cup in 2003, becoming the first team in history to win the trophy on its first attempt (a feat they defended in 2007). He now manages his assets through his investment vehicle, B-Flexion (formerly Waypoint Capital), and is committed to scientific philanthropy, including pledging $75 million to Harvard Medical School.

Ernesto Bertarelli's social impact is structural, tied to Serono's role in developing essential biotechnology treatments (infertility, multiple sclerosis). His family's Bertarelli Foundation focuses on marine conservation and neuroscience research globally.

His $75 million pledge to Harvard Medical School is a massive structural investment to advance scientific discovery and entrepreneurship. His commitment to sailing has had a profound cultural impact, placing Switzerland at the pinnacle of global maritime sport.

Ernesto Bertarelli maintains the polished, sophisticated style of a Swiss financier and sportsman. His attire is consistently high-quality, favoring tailored business suits or high-end sailing apparel. His aesthetic is one of stability and commanding confidence, reflecting his success in both finance and competitive sailing.

Residing in Switzerland, his luxury is the immense security and autonomy derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is defined by his commitment to scientific innovation, high-stakes investment, and his passion for ocean sports.