Remarks by GEI President Lucio Caputo:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Today I am very pleased to welcome to GEI and to New York, Mr. Roberto Napoletano, Group Managing Director of Il Sole 24 Ore S.p.A.
Born in La Spezia, Mr. Napoletano began his journalistic career in the editorial offices of Napoli Oggi, Napoli Notte and then Mattino, where he oversaw the economic supplement, Lettera Sud. In 1996 he joined Il Sole 24 Ore in Milan, first as Editor-in-Chief of Italian Economics and later as Deputy Director in the preparation of the capital.
In 2005 Mr. Napoletano became Co-Director of Il Messaggero and then Director in 2006. He was appointed Director of Il Sole 24 Ore in March 2011.
In his first year as Director of Il Sole 24 Ore, Mr. Napoletano completely changed the editorial formula of the newspaper by making it more reliable, instructive and easily accessible, resulting in significant increases in the newsstand in contrast to the market and despite the price increases.
Under his leadership, Il Sole 24 Ore became one of top three bestselling newspapers in Italy and the country’s first digital newspaper. Today Il Sole 24 Ore is a leader in business, financial and regulatory information and is a key driver of the high brand profile of Gruppo 24 Ore as a whole.
Il Sole 24 Ore continues to improve its digital platforms information and content with high added value. Last year, il Sole 24 Ore celebrated its 150th anniversary.
In November 2011, Mr. Napoletano was the only manager of any Italian newspaper to be interviewed by The New York Times about the financial crisis.
Mr. Napoletano is the author of best-selling books, such as Padroni d’Italia, Fardelli d’Italia and Promemoria Italiano.
For his work as a journalist and essayist, Roberto Napoletano has received the most prestigious awards in Italy. In addition he frequently holds speeches and lectures on the economy. He also chairs the Scientific Committee of the Business School Masters of Il Sole 24 Ore.
Therefore, I am very pleased to present Roberto Napoletano, on behalf of GEI, with the “GEI FRIENDSHIP AWARD” in recognition of his many accomplishments.