Imagine owning 25% of every public Italian company, besides, being the successor of companies like FIAT, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari; and this not being enough also owning Juventus FC, popular newspapers and a Ski Resort. What a lifestyle huh?
Now imagine, besides being the physical image of – Old Money – and one of the most successful industrialists, you also became the fashion icon that basically created this super recognizable Italian style in menswear. Sounds like a movie? Yes, but as his good friend Jean Pigozzi said – All the stories are true -.
We are of course talking about Giovanni – Gianni – Agnelli, the ultimate Italian Millionaire.
How Everything Started
Gianni was born back in 1921, on March the 12 to be precise, in Turin, Italy; born directly into the influential Agnelli Family. His grandfather, also named Giovanni Agnelli, founded FIAT in 1899; his father continued the legacy and with his wife, Virginia Bourbon del Monte, they cemented the family’s prominent status in Italian Society.
He grew up in this prominent family, but during WW2, Gianni served in the Italian army, in several fronts such as Russia and Africa. But the icon we know today started right after the war, when he adopted the vibrant lifestyle of a huge industrial successor.
During these days, Gianni was essentially living the perfect life, yachts, models and fast cars; with no responsibilities at all, he became a playboy with lots of money and lots of desire to live life at its fullest.
Focus and Leadership
During his younger years, living fast and enjoying pleasures, a catastrophic incident changed everything for the good. A serious car accident in 1952 caused an 180 degreed change in his life, resulting in a more responsible and aware attitude towards things that actually matter.
With a new attitude – without compromising his style and aura – in 1966 Gianni became the official successor and CEO of FIAT, steering the company into an era of humongous growth and challenges. During his Chairmanship, FIAT not only dominated the Italian automotive industry, but also became an international success; Gianni latter focused on expanding FIAT and his business portfolio.
Three years later in 1969 FIAT acquired 50% stake in Ferrari, yes like in Ferrari; which later became a 90% stake, and Angelli was a crucial part alongside Enzo to give Ferrari the luxurious and prestigious status it still has to this day. During the same year, FIAT bought Lancia, the worldwide rally car manufacturers. By the year 1970 FIAT was already representing the 4.4% of Italy’s GDP and employed over 3% of f the country’s industrial workforce.
In 1986 FIAT bought Alfa Romeo, again with Agnelli contributing in the sporty and stylish legacy of the brand. Last but not least in 1990 the company acquired Maserati, an other legendary Italian car manufacturer and gave it global reputation.
At its height, Fiat represented 25% of Italy’s public companies by market value. Agnelli’s reach extended beyond automobiles to Publishing, owning companies like La Stampa, Aerospace Industry though technological advances and maintaining significant stakes in Italian financial institutions.
The Icon
Beyond his industrial prowess, Gianni was a global symbol of elegance and sophistication. Known for his bespoke Caraceni suits and his signature habit of wearing a wristwatch over his shirt cuff, Agnelli’s sartorial choices set trends worldwide. Esquire magazine named him among the best-dressed men in history, and his influence on fashion endures.
Besides the fashion awareness and the unique style, Agnelli had a deep passion for sports, like car and yacht racing. He was instrumental in promoting the Italian yacht “Azzurra” in the America’s Cup, and also spent considerable time aboard his various boats, including the notable “G-Cinquanta.” Gianni now as a prominent impresario was living an exponentiated luxury lifestyle.
Naked swandives from a helicopter to the mediterranean, drag races through Parisian Streets and constant support to Juventus FC – which his family owns since the 1920s – was the everyday thing for Gianni. Additionally, his patronage of the arts and culture further solidified his status as a Renaissance man of the 20th century.
A Lasting Legacy
Gianni Agnelli passed away on January 24, 2003, in Turin, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape Italy. He was not only a titan of industry but also a cultural icon who embodied the essence of Italian elegance and ingenuity. His leadership transformed FIAT into a global powerhouse, while his influence extended into fashion, sports, and culture. Agnelli remains a symbol of Italy’s post-war resurgence and its enduring spirit of innovation and style.
GiannI’s life is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. From the factory floor to the fashion runways, his impact remains indelible, a true reflection of the man known as, the “King of Italy.”
Discover an other exemplary life story though our interview with Antoine Constantin
Take a lasting taste of Giannis Aura, with this suggested video:
Written by Founder & Head Editor: Anton Fernandez