Early Life
Antonio Percassi was born in Clusone, Italy, on June 9, 1953. He comes from a family with an entrepreneurial background, which laid the groundwork for his future success. Percassi began his journey in the world of sports, showing promise as a footballer.
Rise to Success
Percassi's career transitioned from football to entrepreneurship. He played for Atalanta from the age of 17, but at 23 he chose to pursue his business interests. In 1976, he met Luciano Benetton and opened the first Benetton store in Bergamo, marking the beginning of his retail ventures. Over three decades, Percassi worked closely with the Benetton family. He brought Zara to Italy in 2001 and opened the first Starbucks store in Milan in 2018. He also founded Kiko Milano in 1997, a cosmetics brand that has seen international expansion. Furthermore, Percassi has developed a strong real estate portfolio and is involved with the luxury-clothing brand Billionaire Italian Couture.
Key Business Strategies
Percassi’s business strategy involves a blend of retail development, real estate, and a focus on creating original brands. He has developed and managed major shopping centers and outlets, often in collaboration with international brands such as Nike and Gucci. The creation and expansion of Kiko Milano exemplify his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. His leadership also extends to sports, as he is the President of Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio.
Philanthropy
Antonio Percassi is involved in philanthropy, notably through the Antonio Percassi Family Foundation, which supports various cultural and social projects. He purchased Crespi d'Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the intention of converting it into the headquarters for the Percassi Business group and the Antonio Percassi Family Foundation.
