Who Is Diane Plese? Everything About Robert Herjavec’s Ex-Wife

Diane Plese is not a celebrity in the traditional sense, yet her name has appeared in countless headlines due to her connection with entrepreneur and television personality Robert Herjavec, one of the prominent investors on Shark Tank. While many recognize her primarily as the ex-wife of the Canadian businessman, Diane Plese has her own story—a respected optometrist, a dedicated family woman, and someone who maintained privacy and dignity amid public scrutiny.

In this article, we dive deep into who Diane Plese truly is—beyond the tabloids. We’ll explore her early life, career, relationship with Robert Herjavec, her current life situation, net worth, and more. This detailed profile includes newly surfaced facts and updates to present the most accurate and updated look at her life in 2025.

Quick Bio Table Diane Plese

Who Is Diane Plese?

Diane Plese is a Croatian-Canadian optometrist who came into the public eye largely due to her long-term marriage to businessman and television personality Robert Herjavec. Though she has always been a private individual, her marriage—and eventual divorce—from the Shark Tank star made her a topic of media interest.

Born and raised in Canada to Croatian immigrant parents, Diane built a life around education, professional service, and family. Her marriage to Herjavec, which lasted over two decades, brought her under media attention, especially during their high-profile divorce in 2016. However, Diane is more than just an ex-wife; she is a professional woman who made significant contributions in her field and handled public attention with grace.

Early Life and Background

Diane Plese was born in the early 1960s in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Croatian parents who had immigrated to North America. Her upbringing was grounded in traditional values, education, and strong community ties. She grew up in a relatively modest household that emphasized hard work and perseverance—qualities that would later shape both her personal and professional life.

Plese pursued a career in medicine, focusing on optometry. She graduated from a Canadian university with a degree in optometry and began practicing in the Toronto area shortly thereafter. It was during this time in her early professional career that she would meet Robert Herjavec.

Career Impact and Achievements

While Diane Plese has not been in the public eye professionally, she established a respectable career in optometry. She worked as a licensed optometrist for several years, serving patients in Toronto and the surrounding regions. Her clients appreciated her compassionate demeanor, clinical expertise, and calm, patient-first approach.

Though not flashy or heavily publicized, her work was instrumental in shaping the lives of many individuals who relied on her eye care services. In a time when Robert Herjavec’s career was just beginning to rise, Diane’s steady income and moral support reportedly played a key role in stabilizing the family’s financial situation.

According to sources close to the couple, Diane was a grounding force during Herjavec’s entrepreneurial rise—especially during the early struggles of founding BRAK Systems, a Canadian internet security company Robert later sold for over $30 million in 2000.

Meeting and Marriage with Robert Herjavec

Diane Plese met Robert Herjavec in the early 1990s when he came in for an eye appointment. Their connection was immediate, and the couple began dating soon afterward. They married in 1990 in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends.

Their marriage lasted for 24 years and was considered strong and enduring by those who knew them. They had three children together: two daughters and a son. Diane often stayed out of the limelight while Robert’s fame grew through his work on Dragon’s Den in Canada and later Shark Tank in the United States.

Unfortunately, the marriage ended in 2014, and the couple officially divorced in 2016. The reason behind their separation was never explicitly confirmed by either party, but speculation pointed to personal issues, including reports of infidelity and emotional distance.

Despite the divorce, Diane handled the situation with poise. She rarely spoke publicly and maintained a dignified silence throughout the media storm that followed.

Current Life

As of 2025, Diane Plese leads a private and quiet life away from media attention. She has not remarried and reportedly resides in Canada, enjoying her retirement years surrounded by family and close friends.

Sources close to her state that she remains focused on her children and values her independence. Although she no longer practices optometry full-time, Diane has occasionally participated in community health initiatives and charity events related to healthcare access.

Her name still surfaces occasionally in the media when updates about Robert Herjavec’s life emerge—especially regarding his second marriage to Dancing with the Stars dancer Kym Johnson—but Diane remains entirely detached from the celebrity sphere.

Relationship to Diane Plese

Diane Plese was Robert Herjavec’s first wife and longtime partner during the foundational years of his career. She stood by him through entrepreneurial struggles, business wins, and public life, and is the mother of his three children.

Even after their divorce, their relationship is often referenced as pivotal in shaping Herjavec’s early success. Although they are no longer in contact regularly, their shared parental responsibilities ensure they maintain occasional communication for the well-being of their children.

Her role in his life has been described as that of a “quiet backbone” during the most formative and challenging periods of his business development.

Current Age

Diane Plese was born in 1962, which makes her 63 years old as of 2025. While she has aged away from public view, recent photos from a private charity event in Toronto in early 2024 show that she remains graceful and youthful, with a calm demeanor that reflects her private lifestyle.

Diane Plese Net Worth

Following her divorce from Robert Herjavec, Diane Plese reportedly received a significant financial settlement. While exact figures were never officially disclosed, multiple reports estimated that she was awarded between $20 million and $25 million as part of the divorce agreement.

Her personal net worth is now estimated to be around $25 million, making her one of the wealthier former celebrity spouses in Canada. The settlement included real estate properties and financial assets. However, Diane has never flaunted her wealth, instead choosing a modest and grounded lifestyle.

Conclusion

Diane Plese is a woman who has lived a life of quiet strength and dignity. While her public recognition stems from her marriage to Robert Herjavec, her own story is worth telling. From her early years in a Croatian-Canadian household to her work in optometry, and through her journey as a wife, mother, and independent woman, Diane Plese represents resilience and privacy in a world dominated by oversharing.

In the aftermath of a high-profile divorce, she chose a path of discretion and grace. Today, she enjoys the peace she has earned, far from the spotlight, and continues to be respected for the way she has conducted herself publicly and privately.

FAQs Diane Plese

1. Who is Diane Plese?
   Diane Plese is a retired Canadian optometrist and the ex-wife of businessman and Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec.

2. When did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec get divorced?
   The couple separated in 2014 and officially divorced in 2016.

3. How many children does Diane Plese have?
   Diane has three children with Robert Herjavec—two daughters and one son.

4. What is Diane Plese’s current age?
   As of 2025, she is 63 years old.

5. Where is Diane Plese now?
   She reportedly lives a private life in Canada and is enjoying retirement.

6. Did Diane Plese remarry after divorcing Robert Herjavec?
   No, Diane Plese has not remarried as of 2025.

7. What is Diane Plese’s estimated net worth?
   Her net worth is estimated to be around $25 million.