Giorgio Campagnolo appointed as Cavaliere del Lavoro

Press release – May 31, 2024

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has appointed Giorgio Campagnolo, a historic entrepreneur from Veneto and founder of the F.lli Campagnolo Group, Knight of Labour. This prestigious honor was awarded for his significant contribution to the national economy and for his moral and social commitment.

From a market stall in Bassano del Grappa to an international group with five brands (CMP, Melby, Maryplaid, Jeanne Baret, and FC F.lli Campagnolo), producing over 10 million garments a year. This is the story of F.lli Campagnolo S.p.A., a company based in Romano D’Ezzelino, now specialized in the production of sportswear, children's clothing, homewear, and textiles. It was founded in 1948 by Maria Disegna, a young widow with five children. Giorgio, the youngest of the siblings, transformed the small family business into a successful enterprise, passing on his vision and values to his children, who now lead the company.

This extraordinary entrepreneurial journey has been crowned with the highest recognition: among the 25 new Knights of Labour appointed by President Sergio Mattarella is also Giorgio Campagnolo, who at 87 years old continues to be a constant and inspiring presence in his company. He states: “I thank President Sergio Mattarella, for whom I have immense respect, for this prestigious appointment, which I intend to honor with the same commitment I’ve always dedicated to my family, the company and its people, and society.” Giorgio adds, visibly moved: “I did not expect this award. It was a wonderful surprise, and I am especially happy for my children, to whom I leave an important legacy. The first person I thought of, however, was my mother, who taught me perseverance, passion, and above all, honesty in life and work. I must also dedicate it to the mother of my children, my wife, who has always stood by my side over the years. And finally, to all our employees—without them, none of this would have been possible.”

The enthusiasm spread throughout the family, and the children commented: “We are very proud of our father’s appointment, and grateful to President Mattarella who, by granting him this award, recognizes in him and in our family the value of a life of work and dedication.”

Giorgio is receiving numerous messages of appreciation, including those from the President of the Veneto Region, Luca Zaia, the President of Confindustria Veneto, Enrico Carraro, and the President of Confindustria Vicenza, Laura Dalla Vecchia.

Giorgio Campagnolo was born in 1936 in Bassano del Grappa. His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, helping his mother along with his four brothers at the local market. At just 16 years old, he invented a machine to produce pom-poms for hats, marking the start of the business that would transform the family workshop into what is now F.lli Campagnolo S.p.A. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded significantly, introducing new product lines such as sportswear, casualwear, and children's clothing.

F.lli Campagnolo S.p.A. established itself as a market leader in Italy and expanded abroad, collaborating with German brands like Reebok and Puma. In the 1990s, Giorgio introduced fleece fabric, further strengthening the company's position. Today, the second generation of the Campagnolo family continues to run the business, upholding the tradition of innovation and quality instilled by Giorgio.

In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Giorgio Campagnolo is also known for his humanitarian commitment. He has carried out numerous projects in countries such as Uganda, Zambia, and Guinea-Bissau, supporting shelters, schools, and agricultural initiatives, significantly improving the living conditions of many people.

Despite his reserved nature, Giorgio received the “Entrepreneurs for the Common Good” Award in 2019 during the 9th Festival of Social Doctrine in Verona, recognizing his entrepreneurial and social commitment.

In May 2024, for his humanitarian work, Giorgio was officially recognized as a “Great Man” by the Ministry of Health and the Government of Guinea for helping to build a diagnostic pavilion equipped with cutting-edge medical technology.

The appointment as Knight of Labour represents further recognition for an entrepreneur who has dedicated his life not only to economic development but also to social well-being. We are confident that Giorgio will continue to be an example of dedication and passion for all of us.