Oliver Tress: Early Life, Career, Net Worth, and Family

Oliver Tress is a successful British entrepreneur and retail visionary. He is the founder of Oliver Bonas, a high-street chain known for its stylish and eclectic fashion, homeware, and gifts. Tress is admired not just for his business success, but for his hands-on approach and commitment to ethical retailing. 

Over the past three decades, he has transformed a single shop into a well-known lifestyle brand across the UK.

Who Is Oliver Tress?

Oliver Tress is the creative force behind Oliver Bonas. He started the business in 1993 and has led its steady rise through the UK retail market. Tress is known for his bold product selection, unique brand voice, and focus on original design. 

Unlike many corporate founders, he remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations. His leadership has shaped the brand into a symbol of creativity and conscious consumerism.

Oliver Tress Age

Oliver Tress was born in May 1967. As of 2025, he is 58 years old. Despite his age, he maintains an active and energetic presence in both business and public life. His ability to stay relevant and forward-thinking has played a major role in the continued growth of Oliver Bonas.

Oliver Tress Career

Tress began his career with a simple idea. While visiting his parents in Hong Kong, he noticed unique, design-forward products that were missing in UK stores. He decided to import those goods and sell them in a shop he opened in London. Using just £3,000 in savings, he launched the first Oliver Bonas store on Fulham Road in 1993.

The brand quickly gained popularity due to its unique aesthetic and accessible pricing. It expanded to include fashion, accessories, homeware, furniture, beauty, and books. By 2024, the brand had grown to over 85 locations and more than 1,500 employees. Tress’s leadership has been marked by innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to keeping things fresh and personal.

Despite challenges like the 2008 financial crash, the 2011 London riots (during which Tress was injured), and the COVID-19 pandemic, the company remained resilient. It posted strong profits, adopted sustainable practices, and kept growing.

Growth and Challenges

He focused heavily on product design and creativity. A large percentage of products sold by the company are now designed in-house. This allows the brand to maintain a unique voice and identity. In 2019, the company secured a £15 million credit facility from HSBC to support further growth. Despite market pressures, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand remained resilient.

Tress faced serious setbacks too. During the London riots of 2011, he was attacked in his Battersea store while trying to protect it. He was beaten unconscious but recovered. He also dealt with a 20% drop in sales during the 2008 financial crash. Despite these issues, Tress stayed committed to his business. He adopted new strategies and kept moving forward.

Oliver Tress Early Life

Oliver James Mark Tress was born in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. His father was an international banker, so Oliver spent much of his childhood abroad. He lived in countries like Sri Lanka, Nigeria, the Netherlands, and the United States, which gave him a diverse worldview and early exposure to different cultures.

For schooling, he returned to England. He attended Marlborough College, one of the UK’s top independent schools. Later, he studied Anthropology at Durham University, where he graduated from Hatfield College in 1989. His academic background in understanding cultures and people later influenced his unique product choices and brand storytelling.

Oliver Tress Net Worth

Oliver Tress has built a solid financial foundation through his business. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is between £10 million and £15 million. In 2021, Oliver Bonas reported £92.8 million in revenue and £7.5 million in pre-tax profits. These figures reflect the company’s healthy performance even during uncertain economic times.

Tress has reinvested much of his success into growing the business, opening new stores, and expanding online. He has also made efforts to introduce fair wages and sustainable policies, which have added long-term value to the brand.

Oliver Tress Now

Today, Oliver Tress remains the driving force behind Oliver Bonas. He still works closely with product teams and leads the company’s creative vision. Under his leadership, the brand releases new collections weekly, with a strong focus on in-house design. He has also introduced environmental programs, including sustainable packaging, recycling initiatives, and ethical sourcing.

Tress has opened up about living with ADHD, saying that it contributes to both his creativity and his challenges. He continues to speak publicly about mental health, entrepreneurship, and ethical business. His modern leadership style sets him apart in the world of retail.

Oliver Tress Children

Oliver Tress has three children. He was previously married to Gina Coladangelo, a communications expert and former non-executive director at the UK’s Department of Health. The family lived in Wandsworth, South London, in a five-bedroom home. They shared family life with the support of a nanny.

In 2021, Gina Coladangelo became widely known for her relationship with then Health Secretary Matt Hancock, which was revealed through leaked CCTV footage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the media attention, Tress chose to stay private and focus on his business and children.

Legacy and Influence

Oliver Tress has made a lasting mark on British retail. He took a risk on a small shop with unusual products. Today, his stores are known for their warmth, originality, and charm. He proved that it’s possible to build a large company while keeping a personal, ethical approach. His journey inspires new generations to dream big and stay grounded.

Final Words

Oliver Tress is a British retail visionary. From a small store in London to a national brand, his path shows what passion and persistence can achieve. He balanced creativity with sound business sense. He faced personal and public challenges but remained focused on his mission. With over 30 years in retail, he has become a respected name. He continues to grow his brand and shape the future of lifestyle shopping in the UK.