Athina Onassis has resigned from the board of French retail and distribution company Groupe Casino, ending a corporate role she held for approximately two years.
The company confirmed that the 41-year-old granddaughter of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis stepped down from its board in June, citing “personal reasons” in a brief statement issued through its communications department. No further explanation was provided.
The quiet departure, first reported by French financial publication La Minute Riches and later cited by Spanish media outlet El Español, has attracted attention because of Onassis’ longstanding reputation for keeping both her personal and professional life out of the public eye.
Private Heiress Leaves Board Without Explanation
Groupe Casino did not elaborate on the reasons behind Onassis’ resignation, prompting speculation among business observers. However, neither the company nor Onassis has made any additional public comment.
Despite being one of Europe’s wealthiest heiresses, Athina Onassis has consistently avoided media attention and rarely discusses her business interests or investments.
Earlier this year, she made one of her few public appearances when she attended French fashion designer Stéphane Rolland’s runway show during Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, supporting her longtime friend as he debuted in Spain.
Equestrian Sport Remains Her Passion
Outside the corporate world, Onassis remains closely connected to international show jumping.
An accomplished equestrian, she has competed in prestigious events including the Longines Global Champions Tour, the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour and the Global Champions Tour of Madrid.
Although she has scaled back her competition schedule since 2023, she continues to play an active role in the sport by organising the Athina Onassis Horse Show in Saint-Tropez as part of the Longines Global Champions Tour circuit.
She also owns extensive equestrian facilities in Valkenswaard, in the southern Netherlands, where she lives and manages a stable of competition horses.
Heir to the Onassis Fortune
Athina Onassis inherited one of the world’s most famous fortunes after the death of her mother, Christina Onassis, in 1988. At just three years old, she became the sole heir to the Onassis family estate, earning international attention as one of the world’s wealthiest children.
She was raised primarily by her father, Thierry Roussel, before later embracing her Greek heritage and assuming responsibility for the Onassis legacy.
Her personal life has also attracted international attention. She married Brazilian Olympic show jumper Doda Miranda, who also served as her trainer. The couple separated in 2016 after 11 years of marriage before later divorcing.
While her departure from Groupe Casino marks another significant change in her professional life, Athina Onassis has given no indication of her future plans and continues to maintain the intensely private lifestyle that has long distinguished her from many other high-profile heirs.