Billionaire Profile
Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone
Global Rank
#338

Image: Caltagirone Group | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone

CEO, Cement
ITALY
Real-Time Net Worth
$9.783B
Estimated based on Cement stock value as of March 6, 2026
-2.02% (24h)
Age
82
Source
Cement, diversified
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
ITALY

Biography

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone is an 82-year-old Italian entrepreneur, known for his significant influence in construction, real estate, and media. He is the president of Caltagirone S.p.A., a holding company with diversified interests. His wealth stems from his stakes in Cementir Holding, Assicurazioni Generali, and other ventures. Caltagirone is also a major player in the Italian media landscape, owning significant shares in publishing group Caltagirone Editore. Throughout his career, he has expanded his family's construction business, transforming it into a leading conglomerate and earning him a prominent position among Italy's wealthiest individuals.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone was born in Rome, Italy, on March 2, 1943. His family had a background in manufacturing. His grandfather built buildings in Palermo in the late 1800s. While studying engineering in Rome, he and his brothers resumed the family business.

Rise to Success

Caltagirone's career took off as he expanded his family's construction business. He became a shareholder in the Caltagirone Company and expanded the business by securing major construction contracts. In the 1980s, he took over Vianini Lavori S.p.A. and later focused on the cement sector, acquiring Cementir S.p.A. This acquisition transformed Cementir into a global player. He also ventured into the media industry, acquiring newspapers and establishing Caltagirone Editore, Italy's fifth-largest publishing group.

Key Business Strategies

Caltagirone's key strategies involved strategic acquisitions and diversification. He expanded his holdings in cement, construction, real estate, and media. His investments in publishing and finance have been instrumental in shaping his empire.

Philanthropy

Information about Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone's philanthropy is not readily available in the search results. However, he has held significant positions in prestigious organizations.

Career Milestones

1984

Acquired Vianini Lavori S.p.A.

Took over Vianini Lavori S.p.A. and became its president.

1992

Acquired Cementir S.p.A.

Transformed Cementir S.p.A. into a multinational company.

1999

Founded Caltagirone Editore

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

2006

Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour

Appointed Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Culture

Director of the Auditorium Parco della Musica of Rome

Undisclosed

Serves as a director, showcasing involvement in cultural endeavors.

Controversies & Challenges

2025

Spyware Targeting

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone received a notification that he was targeted by spyware. This event brought him into the center of a major banking operation involving the government.