Billionaire Profile
Romano Minozzi
Global Rank
#1242

Image: Bernardo Minozzi | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Romano Minozzi

CEO, Utilities
ITALY
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.479B
Estimated based on Utilities stock value as of April 20, 2026
+2.72% (24h)
Age
91
Source
Utilities, diversified
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
ITALY

Biography

Romano Minozzi (born in 1935) is an Italian billionaire businessman, best known as the founder and president of Iris Ceramica Group. His wealth source is utilities and diversified investments, which have led to an estimated net worth of $3.3 billion. His career began in the banking sector after earning a degree in economics from the University of Bologna. In 1961, he founded Iris Ceramica, which expanded internationally and became a global leader in the ceramic industry. Minozzi's strategic investments in the energy sector, including holdings in Snam and Eni, have significantly contributed to his wealth and positioned him as a prominent figure in Italian business and philanthropy.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Romano Minozzi was born in Castelnuovo Rangone, Italy, in 1935. He grew up in a rural environment, where manual labor and resourcefulness were essential. He earned a degree in economics and commerce from the University of Bologna, providing him with a strong foundation in business principles. His early career began in the banking sector, which sparked his interest in the stock market.

Rise to Success

In 1961, Minozzi acquired a struggling ceramics company and renamed it Iris Ceramica. Under his leadership, Iris Ceramica flourished, capitalizing on Italy's post-war economic boom and the growing demand for construction materials. The company expanded internationally, establishing subsidiaries in the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Portugal, and becoming a global leader in the industry. Minozzi's strategic investments in energy companies like Snam and Eni further diversified his wealth.

Key Business Strategies

Minozzi's success stems from his focus on quality, innovation, and long-term vision. He prioritized design and quality in Iris Ceramica, establishing a culture of efficiency and environmental respect. He built a diverse portfolio of investments, primarily in the energy sector, capitalizing on Italy's stable infrastructure. The early adoption of international expansion strategies also played a key role in his global success. Generational transition, passing the day-to-day operations to his daughter Federica, ensuring business continuity.

Philanthropy

Romano Minozzi is committed to the principles of sustainable architecture and green building, promoting eco-friendly practices. He founded Iris Ceramica Group, which is a global leader in the design, production and distribution of high-quality ceramic products for residential, commercial and industrial architectural projects.

Career Milestones

1961

Founded Iris Ceramica

Founded Iris Ceramica, which later became a global leader in ceramic tiles.

1987

Acquired GranitiFiandre

Purchased Castellarano Fiandre Ceramiche S.p.A., later known as GranitiFiandre.

2000s

Diversified Investments

Began diversifying wealth by investing in the stock market and the energy sector.

2017

CEO Transition

Handed over day-to-day operations of Iris Ceramica to his daughter, Federica.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

Sustainable Architecture Advocacy

Undisclosed

Advocates for sustainable architecture and green building practices through Iris Ceramica.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“In finance you have to be detached, but ceramics is a heavy industry. You have to put your heart into it.”"

Leadership Principles

Innovation and Quality

Prioritizing innovation in design and quality to meet market demands.

Long-Term Vision

Focusing on long-term investments and sustainable practices for continuous growth.

Family Governance

Ensuring business continuity through generational transition.