Geox began as an experimental endeavor to develop a shoe with a breathable sole, eventually transforming into a major Italian footwear company under the leadership of its founder, Mario Moretti Polegato. Born in 1952 in Crocetta del Montello, he transitioned from his family’s traditional agricultural and winemaking business into the industrial footwear sector.
Early Career and Education
Polegato attended the University of Ferrara, receiving an education that initially aligned with his family’s background in oenology. Before establishing his own enterprise, he gained professional experience working within the family-owned agricultural and winemaking firm. This period provided foundational business exposure before he shifted his focus toward technological innovation in consumer goods.
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The primary objective of the Geox project was the creation of a shoe capable of breathing. Upon perfecting this concept, Polegato scaled the operation into a significant commercial enterprise. The firm subsequently expanded its product range to include clothing items manufactured with proprietary breathable technologies. In 2004, the company was officially listed on the Borsa Italiana, establishing its presence in the global footwear market.
Corporate Holdings and Governance
Beyond his role at Geox, Polegato serves as the president of LIR Srl, a family-owned finance company headquartered in Treviso. Through this entity, he manages a portfolio of assets including the sportswear brand Diadora, which was acquired in 2009 and is currently directed by his son, Enrico. Polegato has also contributed to broader economic governance, serving on the executive board of Confindustria since 2003 and joining the Regency Council of the Bank of Italy in 2014.
Institutional Recognition
Throughout his career, Polegato has received numerous domestic and international honors. The Italian state awarded him the titles of Knight of Labour and Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Academically, he has been recognized with honorary degrees from the University of Florence, the University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine of Banatului, and Cà Foscari University of Venice. Additionally, he has served as the Honorary Consul General of Romania for North-East Italy since 1997.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Crocetta del Montello, Italy
- Education: University of Ferrara
- Primary Company: Geox
- Finance Holding: LIR Srl
- Sports Brand Acquisition: Diadora (2009)
- Diplomatic Role: Honorary Consul General of Romania
- Honours: Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Honorary Doctorate: CEU Cardenal Herrera University (2014)
Questions readers ask
What is the primary business innovation associated with Mario Moretti Polegato?
He founded Geox to produce footwear utilizing breathable sole technology.
What additional brands does Polegato control through his finance company?
Through LIR Srl, he controls both Geox and the sportswear brand Diadora.
Achievements
- Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Order of Merit for Labour
- honorary doctorate of CEU Cardenal Herrera University — 2014
- Educated at University of Ferrara
