Cesare Romiti


Cesare Romiti is an Italian economist, businessman and former executive of both state-owned firms and private companies, including Fiat and Alitalia. His nickname was Il Duro or the tough guy when he was serving as the head of Fiat.

Early life and education

Romiti was born in Rome on 24 June 1923. He received an economics and commercial sciences degree in 1945.

Career and activities

Romiti began his career at the Bombrini Parodi Delfino munitions group in 1947. When the group merged with Snia Viscosa in 1968, he began to serve as the latter's general financial director. Next he joined Alitalia. In December 1970, he became a board member of Alitalia and then was appointed general manager and chief executive of the company. His term at the company lasted until 1973. In September 1973, he became the chief executive officer of the IRI finance firm, Italstat.
Romiti worked for Fiat in various capacities for twenty years from 1974 to 1995. He was also one of the major shareholders of the company. He succeeded Gianni Agnelli as the chairman of the firm when Agnelli stepped down. Romiti led the firm from 28 February 1996 to 22 June 1998. Romiti was instrumental in the company's return to profitability during this period. Paolo Fresco succeeded him in the aforementioned post.
Romiti was the chairman of the board of RCS Quotidiani S.p.A. from 2 June 1998 to 15 July 2004. Next he served as the chairman of Impregilo from May 2005 to 2007. He became the president of Italian China Institution in 2000 and was also appointed its president in 2004. He is also advisor professor at Donghua University.

Controversy

In April 1997, Romiti was convicted of falsifying the company accounts, committing tax fraud and making illegal payments to political parties.

Personal life

Romiti is married and has two sons.

Honours, awards and recognition

Romiti has been awarded by various organizations, including the Chinese people's association for friendship with foreign countries. He was named as honorary chairman of the Aspen Institute. On 21 June 2004, he became the honorary president of RCS MediaGroup.
He also received the Medal of Honor from France.

Writings

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