3. John Elkann

John Elkann, born in New York in 1976, has carved a prominent path in international business and industry. Educated in Europe, he earned a scientific baccalauréat from the Lycée Victor Duruy in Paris and later graduated in engineering from Politecnico di Torino. His early career included hands-on roles in manufacturing and sales across the UK, Poland, and France. These experiences not only honed his business acumen but also provided him with a global perspective. Elkann formally started at General Electric in 2001 as part of the corporate audit staff, gaining experience across Asia, North America, and Europe.

Elkann’s ties to the Italian automotive legacy run deep. He joined the board of Fiat S.p.A. in 1997 and rose to Vice Chairman in 2004 before becoming Chairman in 2010. When Fiat evolved through a merger with Chrysler to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Elkann took the helm as Chairman and Executive Director in 2014. His strategic vision and leadership were further demonstrated with the formation of Stellantis in 2021—a global automotive powerhouse resulting from the merger of FCA and PSA Group—where he was appointed both Chairman and Executive Director on January 17, 2021.

Beyond Stellantis, Elkann is the Chief Executive Officer of Exor N.V., the holding company established in 2009, which is the largest shareholder in a portfolio of global companies, including Ferrari, CNH Industrial, and Philips. In 2023, he expanded his investment vision by creating Lingotto, a long-term investment management firm. He also chairs Giovanni Agnelli B.V., a key entity within the Agnelli family’s business empire, further solidifying his leadership and influence.

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Elkann’s influence extends into the luxury automotive sector as Chairman of Ferrari N.V. and Ferrari S.p.A. since 2018. Under his leadership, Ferrari has maintained its iconic heritage while advancing in innovation, performance, and brand prestige. He also chairs GEDI Gruppo Editoriale S.p.A., a prominent Italian media company, and previously served on the boards of The Economist Group and PartnerRe Ltd.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, John Elkann has a strong presence in the cultural and philanthropic sectors. He is a trustee and Nominating Committee member of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, serves on the boards of Meta, and is a member of international advisory councils for JP Morgan and Allianz. He also leads the Agnelli Foundation, a philanthropic organization committed to advancing education.

On a personal level, Elkann is rooted in Italian aristocracy through his marriage to Donna Lavinia Borromeo, a distinguished member of the House of Borromeo. The couple wed in a Catholic ceremony on Isola Madre in Lake Maggiore and have three children.

With his diverse leadership roles, international background, and unwavering commitment to innovation, John Elkann stands as one of the most influential figures in global business today, inspiring us all with his forward-thinking approach.