The career trajectory of Paolo Scaroni, born in 1946 in Vicenza, encompasses decades of leadership across the European energy and sports sectors. An Italian entrepreneur with an academic background from Bocconi University and Columbia Business School, he has held executive roles at multinational corporations, significantly shifting the operational focus of Italy's two largest energy companies during his tenure.
Early Career and Industrial Leadership
Scaroni began his professional life in 1969 at Chevron Corporation before working as an associate at McKinsey & Company. Following his MBA, he joined Saint-Gobain, where he eventually led the flat glass division. In 1985, he transitioned to Techint to serve as CEO, followed by a move to the United Kingdom in 1996 to take the role of chief executive officer at Pilkington.
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As CEO of Enel from 2002 to 2005, Scaroni pivoted the company away from a multi-utility model to prioritize core energy activities, including the creation of a dedicated wind energy unit. At Eni, where he served from 2005 to 2014, he shifted the firm's portfolio toward natural gas, viewing it as a bridge to sustainable energy. During this time, Eni's net worth grew from €39 billion to €61 billion. He remains a vocal advocate for nuclear energy and industrial efficiency to meet European carbon reduction targets.
AC Milan and Governance Roles
In 2018, Scaroni became chair of AC Milan following its acquisition by Elliott Management Corporation. He presided over the club during its 2021–2022 Scudetto victory and remained in his position after the club moved under the ownership of the US fund RedBird in 2022. Outside of his executive mandates, he has held numerous board positions at companies such as BAE Systems, Veolia Environment, and ABN AMRO.
Legal History
Scaroni's career has intersected with various legal proceedings. In 1996, he received a prison sentence of one year and four months as part of the Tangentopoli investigation, though this offence was declared extinct by the Milan tribunal in 2001. Later in his career, he faced investigations related to his roles at Enel and Eni, including the Enel Porto Tolle, EnI/Saipem Algeria, and Eni/Shell Nigeria cases. He was definitively acquitted in these three matters in 2017, 2020, and 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Vicenza, Italy
- Education: Bocconi University, Columbia Business School
- Enel CEO tenure: 2002-2005
- Eni CEO tenure: 2005-2014
- Appointed AC Milan Chair: 21 July 2018
- Awards: Order of Merit for Labour (2004), Legion of Honour
- Languages: Italian
Questions readers ask
What is Paolo Scaroni's stance on energy policy?
He argues that renewable energy alone cannot meet European CO2 reduction goals, advocating for energy efficiency, industrial reengineering, and nuclear power.
Did Scaroni remain at AC Milan after the RedBird acquisition?
Yes, he was confirmed as chairman in September 2022 following the transfer of ownership to the US fund RedBird.
Achievements
- Order of Merit for Labour — 2004
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Order of Friendship
- Educated at Bocconi University and Columbia Business School
