Religion Roman Catholic Children Stefano Macaluso Died October 27, 2010 | Name Luigi Macaluso Spouse(s) Monica | |
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Occupation Entrepreneur, Businessman | ||
Luigi "Gino" Macaluso (9 June 1948 – 27 October 2010) was the President and Chairman of the Sowind group, under whose roof a watch Manufacture and the two Brands Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard are united. Since the long-term strategic cooperation agreement signed with Kering in June 2008, he had also joined the Gucci Group Management Committee and the Boucheron Board of Directors.
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Career
He was born in Turin, Italy, on 9 June 1948. He founded one of the major watch wholesaling company in Italy in 1982 (Blancpain, Breitling, Hamilton). In 1987, he became the Italian distributor of Girard-Perregaux, a company with a history going back to the year 1791, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Its Tourbillon with three Gold Bridges is regarded as a landmark in the history of Swiss watchmaking. In 1989, he joined the Company's board of Directors. On 15 September 1992, he took over Girard-Perregaux. Under his leadership, the firm refined its strategy, with a focus on the high-end segment.
Alter producing only quartz watches for almost 20 years, Macaluso turned Girard Perregaux into a genuine Manufacture. Since then, the brand builds high end mechanical watches with their own calibers, developed and manufactured in house. With his knowledge of architecture – he held a degree in the field– he was closely involved in the design of the Brand’s creations.
Macaluso was President of the AIHH (Fine watchmaking Professional Association) in 1999, 2001 and 2004.
On October 27th 2010, Luigi Macaluso unexpectedly died at age 62 after suffering a heart attack. Luigi was married to Monica and was the father of four children, Stefano, Massimo, Anna and Margherita. More than 10 years ago, his two sons joined him at the head of the Sowind Group.
An architect, former motor racing driver and entrepreneur, he had been behind the wheel of Girard-Perregaux since 1992. A firm believer in the value of an authentic Haute Horlogerie Manufacture, he pioneered the development of an integrated production strategy. A charismatic leader, he was able to make Sowind Group an essential player in Swiss Haute Horlogerie.
Distinctions
In 1998, Luigi Macaluso was awarded the Prix Gaïa for the entrepreneurship category, the highest distinction within the Swiss watchmaking world, attributed by the Musée International de l'Horlogerie.
In 2008, he was appointed a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In 2009, he was appointed a Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour.
Motor sports
Motor racing played a pivotal role in his life. In 1972, he won the title of European Rally Champion as co-driver to Raffaele Pinto in a Fiat 124 Sport Spider. In 1985, he joined the Club Italia, a not-for-profit organization promoting the Italian historic car patrimony and over which he presides. In 2001, he was elected President of the CSAI, the Italian Motor Sport Federation. He served as President of the FIA’s Karting Commission and sat on the FIA World Council.