Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#326

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone

CEO, Cementir Holding

Real-Time Net Worth

$9.7B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Cement, diversified

Industry

construction-engineering

Citizenship

Biography

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone, an 82-year-old Italian businessman, is a prominent figure in the construction and publishing industries. His source of wealth stems from cement manufacturing and diversified investments. Caltagirone's career began with the family construction business, which he expanded significantly. His achievements include transforming Cementir S.p.A. into a multinational company and establishing Caltagirone Editore, a major publishing group in Italy. As of December 2025, his net worth is estimated at $9.7 billion, and he is a key shareholder in several major companies. He is known for his strategic acquisitions and significant influence in the Italian financial sector.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone was born in Rome on March 2, 1943, into a family of manufacturers with roots in Palermo. His grandfather constructed buildings in Palermo in the late 1800s. Caltagirone studied engineering in Rome, where he later resumed the family business with his brothers and cousin.

Rise to Success

Caltagirone became a partner in the family business, which constructed approximately 200 real estate complexes. In 1984, he acquired Vianini Lavori S.p.A., an infrastructure projects company. In 1992, he took over Cementir S.p.A., transforming it into a multinational company. By the mid-1990s, he had gained full control of the Caltagirone Group.

Key Business Strategies

Caltagirone's business strategy has involved strategic acquisitions and diversification. He acquired several newspapers, including Il Messaggero and Il Gazzettino, creating the Caltagirone Editore publishing group. He expanded into the financial sector, becoming a key shareholder in Assicurazioni Generali and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena.

Philanthropy

Information about Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone's philanthropy is not readily available in the search results.

Career Milestones

1984

Acquired Vianini Lavori S.p.A.

Took over the infrastructure projects company.

1992

Acquired Cementir S.p.A.

Transformed the company into a multinational.

1996

Acquired Il Messaggero

Acquired the Roman newspaper.

1999

Founded Caltagirone Editore

Built media group, Italy's sixth largest newspaper publisher.

2006

Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour

Awarded Italy's highest civilian honor.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unknown

Undisclosed

Philanthropic initiatives are not widely reported.