Dona Bertarelli

Dona Bertarelli is a Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for her role within the legacy of her family’s pharmaceutical empire and her own business ventures. She was born in Rome in 1968, the daughter of Fabio Bertarelli, who built Serono into a global leader in reproductive health. She attended Boston University, graduating with a degree in marketing and communication, which provided the framework for her early professional life in the corporate sector.

Her business career was anchored by her involvement in Serono, where she served as executive vice president of public affairs and corporate communications. In this capacity, she played a vital role in the company's international branding and strategic growth. Following the sale of Serono to Merck KGaA in 2007 for over 13 billion dollars, the family created the Bertarelli Foundation, through which she has channeled significant energy into ocean conservation, marine research, and life sciences.

Beyond her pharmaceutical background, Bertarelli has developed a diverse portfolio of private investments, including real estate, hospitality, and luxury retail assets. She has also pursued high-level sporting endeavors, most notably in competitive sailing. Her achievements include setting the record for the fastest woman to sail around the world, an feat that highlighted her determination and strategic focus outside of the boardroom. Her athletic career has often intersected with her environmental work, as she frequently uses these platforms to promote the protection of marine ecosystems.

Today, Dona Bertarelli is recognized as a leading voice in sustainable investment and marine conservation. She holds numerous board positions and remains an active manager of the family’s investment office, Waypoint Capital. Her approach balances the management of traditional business interests with a deep commitment to social responsibility, focusing on how private wealth can address systemic global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.