Famous Italian CEOs

Santo Domenico Versace is an Italian businessman and politician. He serves as the president and co-chief executive officer of Gianni Versace SpA, headquartered in Milan, Italy. Since 2008, he has held a position as a Member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic representing the constituency of Calabria. He is affiliated with the Alliance for Italy political party and has previously been associated with The People of Freedom party.

John Elkann is an Italian industrialist who chairs Stellantis and serves as the CEO of Exor, the holding company controlled by the Agnelli family. He also holds key positions in various companies under the Exor umbrella, such as Ferrari, CNH Industrial, Iveco Group, Juventus FC, and The Economist Group. Elkann's leadership was instrumental in overseeing the merger between Fiat Chrysler and the PSA Group, creating a major global player with a significant presence in the automotive industry.

Lapo Edovard Elkann is a prominent Italian businessman known for his leadership in the Italia Independent Group, where he serves as chairman, founder, and majority shareholder. He also holds key positions in Garage Italia Customs and Independent Ideas, showcasing his diverse entrepreneurial skills. As a member of the board of directors of Ferrari N.V., Elkann plays a crucial role in promoting the Fiat Group brand. With a strong business acumen and a legacy in the automotive industry, he continues to make significant contributions to the corporate world.

Flavio Briatore is an Italian businessman known for his diverse career in various industries. He started as a restaurant manager and insurance salesman in Italy before setting up successful Benetton franchises. He managed the Benetton Formula One racing team, which later became Renault F1. Briatore also had ownership and chairmanship roles in London's Queens Park Rangers. He faced controversies, including fraud charges, prison sentences (later extinguished), and his involvement in race-fixing at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, leading to his resignation from the ING Renault F1 team.

Sergio Marchionne was a prominent Italian-Canadian businessman known for his impactful leadership in the automotive industry. He successfully turned around Fiat Group and Chrysler, forming Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a major player in the global automotive sector. Marchionne held various key positions in top companies such as CNH Industrial, Ferrari, and Maserati. His strategic alliances and business acumen led to significant growth and profitability, solidifying his reputation as a legendary and bold business leader in the industry before his untimely passing in 2018.

Stefano Pessina is an Italian-Monegasque billionaire businessman known for his role as the executive chairman and largest single shareholder of Walgreens Boots Alliance. He has played a significant part in shaping the company's strategic direction and growth. Pessina's leadership has been instrumental in driving the success of Walgreens Boots Alliance in the global healthcare and retail industry. With his extensive experience and vision, he has positioned the company as a key player in the market, focusing on innovation, expansion, and delivering value to customers.

Sergio Rossi was an acclaimed Italian shoe designer known for founding his eponymous brand. With a career spanning decades, he established himself as a prominent figure in the fashion industry, recognized for his exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. Rossi's creations were celebrated for their elegance and sophistication, attracting a loyal following of fashion enthusiasts and celebrities worldwide. His brand became synonymous with luxury footwear, setting the standard for quality and style. Throughout his professional life, Sergio Rossi left a lasting legacy as a visionary in the world of shoes.

Michele Ferrero was an Italian billionaire businessman known for owning Ferrero SpA, Europe's second-largest confectionery company at the time of his death. He transformed his father's small bakery and café in Alba, Piedmont into a successful venture. His innovative addition of vegetable oil to gianduja paste resulted in the creation of the beloved spread Nutella, which became a significant milestone in his career. Ferrero's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality products solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the confectionery industry.

Luciano Benetton is an Italian billionaire businessman known for co-founding the Benetton Group, a renowned Italian fashion brand. He served as the chairman of Benetton for over three decades, from 1978 to 2012. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth and international expansion, becoming a prominent player in the fashion industry. Benetton's innovative marketing strategies and distinctive designs helped establish the brand's global presence and solidify its reputation as a key player in the fashion world.

Andrea Pininfarina was an Italian engineer and manager who played a significant role in the renowned coachbuilder Pininfarina. He graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1981 and began his career at the Fruehauf Corporation in the US before joining the family business. Over the years, he held various positions, including Program Manager, General Manager, Managing Director, and finally Chief Executive Officer. Pininfarina was recognized for his contributions to the automotive industry, receiving accolades such as being named one of the "25 Stars of Europe" and receiving the Eurostar 2005 Award.

Marcel Bich was a prominent French manufacturer known for co-founding Bic, a global leader in producing ballpoint pens, lighters, and razors. His professional journey was marked by innovation and success in the stationery and disposable consumer goods industry. Through Bic, Marcel Bich revolutionized writing instruments, providing affordable and high-quality products to consumers worldwide. His contributions to the business world left a lasting impact, establishing him as a key figure in the development of everyday essentials that are widely used and recognized today.

Mauro Moretti is an Italian executive with a background in Electro Technical Engineering. He held various leadership positions in Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, ultimately becoming CEO. In 2014, he was appointed CEO and General Manager of Leonardo S.p.A. where he led a reorganization plan to enhance competitiveness. Moretti faced legal challenges due to a train crash in 2009, resulting in a temporary removal from his position. In 2021, his conviction was overturned. Throughout his career, Moretti demonstrated strategic vision and operational excellence in the aerospace, defense, and security sectors.

Pietro Ferrero Jr. was a prominent figure in the confectionery industry as the joint CEO of Ferrero SpA alongside his brother Giovanni. Beginning his career with the company in 1985, he quickly rose through the ranks to oversee European operations by 1992. In 1997, he was appointed as one of the company's CEOs, where he played a key role in maintaining Ferrero's global leadership position in the market. Tragically, his professional journey was cut short by his untimely passing in 2011.

Andrew Heiskell had a distinguished professional career as chairman and CEO of Time Inc. from 1960 to 1980. He was recognized for his philanthropic work, notably supporting organizations such as the New York Public Library. He also served as President of the Inter American Press Association from 1961 to 1962 and as president of the Harvard University Board of Overseers. Heiskell's contributions to the media industry and his dedication to philanthropy and education left a lasting impact on society.

Raul Gardini was an Italian agri-business and chemicals tycoon who made significant strides in the industry during the 1980s and early 1990s. He took over his father-in-law's business and orchestrated aggressive campaigns that led to major acquisitions, transforming the companies into leading players in the sugar and chemical sectors. Gardini's strategic investments and acquisitions propelled him to the forefront of the Italian industrial scene, culminating in the formation of Enimont. Despite his successes, Gardini's career was marred by scandal, ultimately leading to his tragic death in 1993.

Flavio Cattaneo is a prominent Italian manager with a diverse and influential professional background. He serves as the non-executive vice president of Italo - Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, a pioneering private company in the high-speed train sector in Europe. Additionally, he holds a position on the board of Assicurazioni Generali. Cattaneo's leadership roles include CEO and General Manager of Enel, a major energy company, and vice chair of Endesa. His career highlights a strong presence in the transportation and energy sectors, showcasing his strategic acumen and impactful decision-making abilities.

Stephan Winkelmann is a prominent German automotive executive known for his leadership roles in prestigious automobile companies. He has been serving as the President of Bugatti Automobiles since January 2018, overseeing the luxury brand's operations. Additionally, Winkelmann holds the position of President and CEO at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. since December 2020, where he is responsible for steering the strategic direction and overall management of the renowned Italian sports car manufacturer. With a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, Winkelmann continues to make significant contributions to these iconic brands.

Alessandro Profumo is an Italian manager with a background in banking and consulting. He has held various leadership positions, including CEO of Unicredit, where he played a key role in the merger with HypoVereinsbank, Bank Austria Creditanstalt, and Capitalia to form the UniCredit Group. Profumo also has experience as a consultant at McKinsey and Bain. He later served as the CEO of Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica). Profumo's career trajectory showcases his strategic vision and expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes.