Giorgio Squinzi, born on May 18, 1943, in Cisano Bergamasco, Italy, was a renowned chemist, entrepreneur, and sports enthusiast. Best known as the CEO of Mapei, one of the world’s leading companies in the building materials industry, Squinzi was also the owner of the Sassuolo football club and a prominent figure in Italian industry through his leadership in Confindustria. His life was marked by significant achievements in business, sports, and public service, making him a multifaceted personality who left a lasting legacy. This article delves into the life and career of Giorgio Squinzi, exploring his journey from a family business to international success, his contributions to the world of sports, and his influence on the Italian industrial landscape.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of a Visionary Leader
Giorgio Squinzi was born into a family with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His father, Rodolfo Squinzi, founded Mapei in 1937, a company initially focused on producing adhesives for light flooring. Growing up in such an environment, Giorgio was naturally inclined towards business and industry. However, his passion for chemistry also played a significant role in shaping his future.
Squinzi pursued his higher education in industrial chemistry, graduating from the University of Milan in 1969. His academic background provided him with the technical knowledge that he would later combine with his entrepreneurial instincts to drive Mapei’s expansion. This fusion of scientific expertise and business acumen became the hallmark of Squinzi’s approach to leadership, allowing him to innovate and lead Mapei to new heights.
The Rise of Mapei: From Family Business to Global Leader
In 1970, just a year after graduating, Giorgio Squinzi co-founded Mapei S.n.c. with his father. The company, which stands for Materiali Ausiliari per l’Edilizia e l’Industria (Auxiliary Materials for Building and Industry), was an extension of the family business, focusing on a broader range of building materials beyond just adhesives. Under Giorgio’s leadership, Mapei expanded rapidly, both in terms of product offerings and geographic reach.
Squinzi’s focus on research and development was a key factor in Mapei’s success. He believed in leveraging scientific advancements to create superior products, a strategy that led to Mapei becoming a leader in the global market for adhesives and chemical products for the construction industry. By the mid-1970s, Mapei had transformed into a public limited company, and Giorgio Squinzi took the reins as the General Manager, steering the company through a period of unprecedented growth.
The internationalization of Mapei began in 1978, when Squinzi established the company’s first overseas plant in Canada. This move marked the beginning of Mapei’s global expansion, which would eventually see the company operating 59 plants in 23 countries, employing over 6,000 people worldwide. Squinzi’s vision of making Mapei a global leader was realized through a combination of strategic acquisitions, innovation, and a relentless focus on quality.
Leadership in Industry: Confindustria and Beyond
Giorgio Squinzi’s influence extended far beyond Mapei. His leadership and success in the chemical industry earned him significant recognition, and in 1997, he was appointed President of Federchimica, the Italian Federation of the Chemical Industry, a position he held until 2003. His tenure at Federchimica was marked by efforts to strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness and to advocate for the interests of Italian chemical companies on the international stage.
In 2012, Squinzi was elected President of Confindustria, the General Confederation of Italian Industry, succeeding Emma Marcegaglia. His election was seen as a vote of confidence in his entrepreneurial abilities and his commitment to Italian industry. As President of Confindustria, Squinzi advocated for policies that would support industrial growth, innovation, and job creation. He was particularly focused on improving Italy’s economic environment and reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that often hampered business operations.
One of Squinzi’s notable achievements during his tenure at Confindustria was his commitment to maintaining employment levels within his companies. Despite the economic challenges of the time, Mapei did not resort to layoffs or seek government assistance through unemployment benefits for its workers. This approach not only earned Squinzi respect within the business community but also underscored his belief in the importance of social responsibility in business.
Sports and Passion: The Sassuolo Football Club
Giorgio Squinzi was not only a successful businessman but also a passionate sports enthusiast, particularly in cycling and football. His love for cycling was evident in his support for professional cycling teams, but it was his involvement in football that brought him widespread recognition in the sports world.
In 2002, Squinzi acquired the Sassuolo football club, a team that was then playing in the lower tiers of Italian football. Under his ownership, Sassuolo experienced a remarkable transformation. Squinzi invested in the club with the same dedication and strategic vision that he applied to Mapei, and by 2008, Sassuolo had been promoted to Serie B, the second tier of Italian football.
The pinnacle of Sassuolo’s success came in 2013, when the team achieved promotion to Serie A, the top tier of Italian football, for the first time in its history. This achievement was a testament to Squinzi’s leadership and his ability to build successful teams, both in business and in sports. Sassuolo’s rise to Serie A was not just a sporting triumph but also a reflection of Squinzi’s philosophy of continuous improvement and his belief in investing in the future.
Honors and Recognitions: A Legacy of Excellence
Giorgio Squinzi’s contributions to industry, sports, and public life earned him numerous honors and recognitions throughout his career. In 1998, he was appointed Cavaliere del Lavoro, one of Italy’s highest honors for industrialists, recognizing his significant contributions to the country’s economy. The same year, he was also honored with the title of Commandeur de l’Ordre de la Couronne in Belgium, reflecting the international impact of his work.
Squinzi’s achievements were not limited to his professional life. He was also awarded an honorary degree in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 2002, recognizing his contributions to the field of industrial chemistry and his role in advancing the application of chemistry in the building materials industry.
In addition to these accolades, Squinzi was a recipient of the Ambrogino d’Oro, a prestigious award given by the city of Milan, further cementing his status as one of Italy’s most respected industrialists.
The Final Years and Legacy
Giorgio Squinzi continued to lead Mapei and contribute to Italian industry until his passing on October 2, 2019, at the age of 76. His death marked the end of an era for Mapei and the Italian business community, but his legacy lives on through the continued success of the company and the impact he made on Italian industry and sports.
Squinzi’s life was a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. He transformed Mapei from a small family business into a global leader, all while maintaining a strong sense of social responsibility and a passion for sports. His leadership in Confindustria helped shape the future of Italian industry, and his dedication to Sassuolo football club left an indelible mark on Italian football.
Conclusion
Giorgio Squinzi’s life and career were characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, both in business and in sports. As a chemist, entrepreneur, and sports enthusiast, Squinzi left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations. His story is one of innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to the values of hard work and integrity.
Squinzi’s impact on Mapei, Confindustria, and Sassuolo football club serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when vision and determination are combined with a commitment to quality and social responsibility. As we reflect on his life, Giorgio Squinzi remains a towering figure in the history of Italian industry, a leader who not only achieved great success but also set a standard for others to follow.
