Alain Taravella is the founder of Altarea Cogedim Group with an estimated net worth of $1 billion as of March 2013 according to Forbes. He is the 21st richest person in France and is ranked 1342nd on the list of World Billionaires.

Together with Jacques Nicolet, Travella created the real estate group Altarea SA, a real estate firm focused on developing shopping centers. In 2004, he took his firm public and acquired Cogedim three years later. He formed Altarea Cogedim Group which has interests in residential, commercial and enterprise property development markets. It primarily operates in France and Italy.

Altarea Cogedim Group has a property portfolio value of $3.5 billion. It is the third largest retail property firm in France. Currently, Alain Taravella serves as the Chairman and CEO of the group since 1985. He has been the Director and Chairman since September 2, 2004. From September 2004 to June 24, 2005, he served as the Administrator. He serves as the Chairman of Altafinance 2, Altafi 3 SAS and Alta Patrimoine SAS.

Since May 2005, 2012, Taravella is the Director of Boursorama. Since 1985, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Pierre Group. From 1975 to 1994, he has exercised responsibilities within the Pierre group and Holidays. He is a graduate of the HEC School of Management.