Antonio Percassi began his professional life as a footballer for Atalanta before transitioning into a retail and real estate entrepreneur. Born in 1953 in Clusone, Italy, he eventually consolidated his commercial interests under the holding company Odissea Srl. His career trajectory spans professional sports, the development of international retail partnerships, and the management of major shopping centers.
Football and Athletic Career
Percassi entered professional football as a player for Atalanta. His sports career concluded at the age of 23 as he shifted focus toward business ventures. He later returned to the sport in an executive capacity, serving as president of Atalanta from 1990 to 1994, and subsequently reclaiming the position in June 2010. In 2019, he was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.
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The business growth of the Percassi organization was rooted in a thirty-year collaboration with the Benetton family, involving brands such as United Colors, Zerdodici, Sisley, and Playlife. His retail portfolio expanded to include partnerships with brands like Swatch, Nike, Levi, Calvin Klein, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger, alongside luxury labels including Gucci, Ferrari, and Ralph Lauren. In 2001, he partnered with the Inditex Group to introduce Zara to the Italian market, launching the first megastore on Milan’s Corso Vittorio Emanuele. He also collaborated with Flavio Briatore in 2007 to develop the Billionaire Italian Couture clothing line.
Cosmetics and Real Estate
Venturing into the cosmetics industry, Percassi launched Kiko Make Up Milano in 1997 with assistance from his son Stefano. He later acquired the makeup brand Madina in 2012 and founded the men's grooming brand Womo. Simultaneously, his real estate strategy involved integrating retail and property development, leading to projects like the Orio Center and Antegnate Shopping Center in Bergamo, as well as the Sicily Outlet Village in Agira. He further collaborated with the Westfield group on the development of the Westfield Milan Shopping Center.
Corporate Expansion and Heritage Sites
In 2013, Percassi purchased the UNESCO World Heritage site of Crespi d'Adda. He initiated plans to convert the location into the headquarters for his business group and the Antonio Percassi Family Foundation, with renovation efforts slated to begin in 2014. The scope of his operations also extends to an international commercial and residential project in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. In September 2009, he was awarded an honorary degree in Construction Engineering from the University of Bergamo.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Clusone, Italy
- Primary Holding Company: Odissea Srl
- Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2019
- Children: Six
- Notable Acquisition: Crespi d'Adda
Questions readers ask
What is the role of the Odissea Srl holding company?
Odissea Srl holds the company’s diverse interests, including cosmetics brands like KIKO Milano, Madina, and Womo, as well as the football club Atalanta.
How many children does Antonio Percassi have?
He has six children, five of whom have participated in the operations of the Percassi business group.
