Diane Plese is the name most widely known due to her marriage to Robert Herjavec, a prominent Canadian entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank. However, Diane’s life story is far more than just being the ex-wife of a billionaire.
A professional optometrist, a loving mother, and a woman of resilience, Diane Plese’s journey is one of quiet strength and determination.
In this article, we’ll explore the woman behind the headlines, her career, marriage, divorce, and life after the separation.
Who is Diane Plese? Early Life and Background
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, a neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada. Though not much is known about her early years, it is widely recognized that Diane comes from a family of Croatian immigrants.
Growing up in Canada, she was raised with a strong work ethic instilled by her parents, who sought a better life in the country. While she keeps her family background and personal history private, her upbringing in a multicultural city shaped her character.
As a Canadian citizen of Croatian descent, Diane is of white ethnicity. Her heritage plays a part in her humble, hardworking nature, as Croatian-Canadian communities are known for their close-knit family values and dedication to their professions.
Despite being married to one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs, Diane has consistently kept a low profile, which is a testament to her desire for privacy and independence.
A Dedicated Optometrist
Diane Plese’s professional life revolves around a career in optometry, a field she chose after completing her college education in the late 1970s. Earning a degree in optometry, Diane spent most of her working life helping patients maintain their eye health.
By the early 1980s, she had already become a practising optometrist, a career she found fulfilling and rewarding.
Her work in the medical field not only gave her professional satisfaction but also contributed significantly to her financial independence. Diane worked diligently throughout her career, gaining the respect of her peers and patients.
Her passion for her work earned her recognition, and she became a well-respected figure in her field.
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Life With Robert Herjavec: Love, Business, and Success
Diane’s life changed when she crossed paths with Robert Herjavec in 1988. At the time, Robert was seeking an eye examination at Diane’s clinic.
A romantic relationship blossomed after their initial meeting, and just two years later, they married in a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario, in 1990. Their union, which lasted for over two decades, saw the couple grow both personally and professionally.
Robert’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1990s with the creation of his company, BRAK Systems, a Canadian company specializing in internet security software.
Diane, as a supportive spouse, stood by Robert during the early, uncertain days of his business. Together, they worked hard, and Robert’s eventual success was a result of not just his efforts but also the foundation of support provided by Diane.
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Their wealth expanded considerably when Robert sold BRAK Systems to AT&T Canada in 2000 for a remarkable $30.2 million. With this deal, the couple entered the ranks of Canada’s wealthiest people.
During this time, Diane continued to pursue her career in optometry, which supplemented their already growing fortune.
The Breakup: The End of a 24-Year Marriage
After 24 years of marriage, Diane and Robert announced their separation in 2014, though they had been living apart since July of that year.
While the reasons for their split were never fully disclosed, it was widely reported that Robert’s extramarital affair with actress Danielle Vasinova played a significant role in their decision to part ways.
Despite the turmoil, both parties maintained a public stance of mutual respect.
Diane’s divorce settlement in 2016 was one of the most talked-about aspects of their separation. The terms of the divorce were extensive.
Robert was required to pay Diane $125,000 per month in spousal and child support, in addition to an astounding $25 million in the form of a lump sum.
This sum was part of the larger settlement, which also included several of their luxurious properties, including a Florida estate and a Caledon ski chalet.
The divorce settlement not only solidified Diane’s financial security but also ensured that she would remain comfortable in the years following the separation. The financial assets awarded to her were a reflection of the couple’s combined efforts throughout their marriage.
Life After Divorce: A New Chapter for Diane
Since her divorce, Diane has chosen to stay out of the public eye. While Robert has continued his career as a Shark Tank investor and entrepreneur, Diane has remained focused on her private life.
It is not clear whether she has pursued new ventures or remained active in optometry, but she has consistently avoided any media attention.
Her decision to live privately reflects her preference for a low-key lifestyle. Diane’s life, now separated from the public scrutiny that came with being married to one of Canada’s most famous businessmen, is likely one of personal reflection and quiet satisfaction.
Diane Plese’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, a combination of her career as an optometrist and her divorce settlement.
Despite her ex-husband’s continued fame, Diane has secured financial independence, making her one of the wealthiest women in her own right. Her ability to create a stable life for herself is a testament to her intelligence, determination, and professionalism.
Conclusion
Diane Plese’s story is one of independence, professional achievement, and personal growth. Though much of her life remains private, her contributions to the success of her marriage and her own career cannot be overlooked.
From her early days as an optometrist to her years standing by Robert Herjavec’s side during his rise to business fame, Diane has always been a woman of substance.
Today, she continues to live a life on her own terms, far from the media spotlight.
Diane Plese’s legacy is one of strength, grace, and a commitment to her own values and independence—qualities that will continue to define her long after the end of her marriage.
People May Ask
1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist and the ex-wife of Robert Herjavec, a prominent entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank. She is known for her successful career in optometry and for her role in supporting her ex-husband’s rise to wealth.
2. How did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec meet?
Diane and Robert met in 1988 when Robert visited Diane’s optometry clinic for an eye exam. They began dating shortly after and married in 1990.
3. What caused Diane Plese’s divorce from Robert Herjavec?
Their divorce was primarily caused by Robert’s extramarital affair with actress Danielle Vasinova. The couple announced their separation in 2014 and finalized the divorce in 2016.
4. What was Diane Plese’s divorce settlement?
Diane received a $25 million settlement, along with $125,000 per month in spousal and child support. She also obtained several luxury properties, including a Florida home and a ski chalet.
5. What is Diane Plese’s current net worth?
Diane Plese’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, a combination of her career earnings and her substantial divorce settlement.
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