Ennio Presutti - Aspen Institute Italia

With esteem and gratitude, Aspen Institute Italia remembers the constant and 

passionate professionalism, culture, and commitment that Ennio Presutti, President 

of the Friends of Aspen, dedicated to the growth and prestige of the Institute. 

One of the founders of Aspen Institute Italia, and member of the Executive 

Committee, Mr. Presutti took up the presidency of the Friends of Aspen in 1997. The 

group had been founded in 1995. 

Under his leadership, the Friends of Aspen group has grown – working with 

entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as with representatives 

from associations, local institutions and regional and communal governing bodies – 

and has established itself as a laboratory of thought. Over the years, the group has 

considered various recurring themes – such as revamping Italy’s Public 

Administration or reforming business ethics – offering a test venue for broader Aspen 

debates. 

As a tribute to Mr. Presutti, we are publishing the speech Lucio Stanca (Vice 

Chairman of the Institute) gave on September 2, 2008, immediately after the funeral 

service. 

TO ENNIO PRESUTTI 

I believe the feelings and thoughts that have led me to express what I am 

about to say are shared by all of us here today, to bid a final farewell to Ennio 

Presutti. 

Ennio was an exemplary husband and father: he dedicated his best energies 

and deepest feelings to his family. Cecilia’s words are the perfect testimony to 

this. 

But for all those who worked side by side with him for so many years, Ennio 

wasn’t just a boss, he was a steadfast guide, a point of reference, an 

example… certainly a Maestro. 

We were charmed and impressed by his qualities: 

HIS HIGH MORAL AND ETHICAL BELIEFS, his correctness, his 

intellectual honesty. Ennio abided by and promoted those moral values 

that he believed in. One of his better known phrases was: “A business 

without ethics has no future.” He was a true believer in the 

dimensions and the social responsibilities of modern business. 

HIS HUMANITY was expressed in his relationships with people, in 

the respect he showed to one and all, in his constant concern for his 

collaborators’ motivations, and in being at your side in times of need. 

He was loved and respected by everyone. 

HIS INTELLIGENCE was that of a real entrepreneur – a great

innovator, always up to any challenge. His opinion was never banal or 

taken for granted. He knew. He thought big and helped you do the 

same. He was enthusiastic about everything he did and was 

tenaciously positive about a better future. 

HIS INNATE LEADERSHIP was of a real, modern leader. Ennio was 

capable of great vision while staying close to the daily problems of his 

people. He inspired discussion on numerous topics that are still the 

focus of debate in Italy’s economic and social worlds. He already 

knew how to interpret and apply them forty years ago. He never 

turned his back on a problem nor sought undeserved acclaim. He 

responded with authentic spirit of service to any task handed to him. 

Ennio loved his country. He worked for more than thirty-five years in an 

international environment and never missed an opportunity to promote Italy 

and the Italians – our qualities, our capabilities, the brilliant results we 

achieved under his leadership. Thanks to Ennio, Italy was admired in hightech 

industries around the world. 

Born in Rome and transplanted to Milan in 1957, he developed great affection 

for his adopted city. He understood the soul of Milan, liked the city and its 

people, to the point of feeling truly Milanese – despite being Roman and a 

“Roma” supporter. He dedicated himself to working for Milan, to making the 

city more modern, more beautiful, more competitive. 

Some of you might not know that just a few weeks ago, Ennio finished 

writing a short book – a few dozen pages, in his dry and direct manner. This 

book is destined for young executives, to give them advice and suggestions. 

Its pages are filled with his philosophy and his experiences as a great 

international manager. The most recurring words are: YOUTH, ETHICS, 

MERIT, VALUES, TEAMWORK, INNOVATE, COMMUNICATE, 

MOTIVATE, STRATEGIC VISION, CONTEXT, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. 

For many of us, Ennio was also a friend: sincere, inestimable, always 

available, always ready to spread trust, to offer advice – indeed, to offer help 

even if you hadn’t asked for it. He was a man full of interests: he loved the 

sea, golf, good food and a good read; he loved playing bridge – a game he 

never truly mastered – and entertained a keen curiosity for art. He loved 

seeing and being with his friends. He was simple in his ways, reserved, but, 

at the same time, affectionate and caring… Ennio’s words sometimes 

smacked of an antique wisdom, of a rare equilibrium. 

Those who knew him, including myself, felt that he was truly a special man. 

So many memories… so many episodes… They all come to mind. The years 

spent together as colleagues, then as good friends… For me, Ennio was like an 

older brother, from whom I learned so much, from whom I gained so much 

support.

Still, the most beautiful thing that Ennio created, with Emma – his Emmina, 

sweet wife and companion of his life, of which I am certain he was 

particularly proud – is his family: united, simple, affectionate, fresh. 

In this sad moment, Cecilia, Daniele and Giancarlo will be there with their 

mother, helping her, showering her with their affection and with that of her 

grandchildren, looking to the future with trust, as Ennio taught so many of us 

to do. 

To conclude, I would like to read the piece with which Ennio ended his book: 

“I have seen change day after day over the past forty years, I have seen that 

the fundamental values have gradually spread and strengthened, I have seen 

that these values, though partly altered, have remained. I want to transfer my 

varied experiences to young managers and entrepreneurs, to share my 

testimony of a life lived in the certainty that, yes, the future will be difficult 

and filled with the unknown, but nonetheless filled with promise.” 

These words are the epitome of ENNIO PRESUTTI. 

Thank you, Ennio, for all that you have given us and taught us. We will 

never forget. 

Tribute given by Lucio Stanca at the end of Ennio Presutti’s funeral service, 

Segrate (Milan), September 2, 2008.

Ennio Presutti - Aspen Institute Italia

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