Giovanni Ferrero is an Italian businessman, author, and the billionaire Executive Chairman of Ferrero S.p.A., one of the world's largest confectionery corporations (brands include Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher). Born in Farigliano, Italy, in 1964, he is the son of the legendary Michele Ferrero and the grandson of the company's founder, Pietro Ferrero.

Giovanni received an international education, studying at the European Schools in Brussels, Belgium, and later studying marketing at Lebanon Valley College in the U.S. He returned to Europe to work in the family company. His career is defined by his commitment to innovation and unwavering focus on product quality (a core family value), while balancing his executive duties with his passion for writing (he has authored four novels).

Giovanni Ferrero became joint CEO with his brother, Pietro Ferrero Jr., in 1997. The tragic death of his brother in a cycling accident in 2011 made Giovanni the sole CEO of the Group. His father, Michele Ferrero, remained Executive Chairman until his death in 2015, leaving the company solely in Giovanni's hands.

In 2015, Giovanni transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman, focusing on strategic direction and market development, and hired an external CEO, Lapo Civiletti, in 2017 to manage day-to-day operations. This successful separation of ownership (family) and management (professional) has ensured the company's continuous growth and massive global expansion (including recent major acquisitions of Nestlé's U.S. confectionery business and Kellogg's cookie and fruit snack businesses). His wealth, estimated at $43.8 billion in 2024, makes him the richest person in Italy.

Giovanni Ferrero's social impact is structural, stemming from Ferrero's role as a massive global employer and provider of essential consumer staples (confectionery). The company is known for its social commitment and its foundation's support for various community and educational initiatives.

His structural contribution is tied to the successful professionalization and global expansion of the family business, ensuring the long-term vitality of the Made in Italy quality and brand identity.

Giovanni Ferrero maintains the professional, intellectual style of a European industrial executive and author. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored business suits. His aesthetic is one of stability and composed intellectual authority, reflecting his academic background and his success as a novelist.

Residing in Brussels, Belgium, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to the stewardship of his family's legacy, balancing industrial scale, financial discipline, and his passion for writing and global market development.