Francesco Merloni (17 September 1925 – 1 October 2024) was an Italian industrialist, engineer and politician who was a member of the Christian Democrats. He served as the minister of public works from 1992 to 1994. He chaired Merloni Termosanitari until 2011.
Early life and education
Merloni hailed from a family who founded the Merloni group and created the brand, Ariston, among the others.[1] He was born in Fabriano on 17 September 1925.[2] He held a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Pisa in 1953.[3][4]
Career
After graduation Merloni began his career in the family company, Merloni, in 1954 and worked there until 1972.[4] From 1972 to 1998 he was elected to the Italian senate.[2][4] He was a Christian Democrat senator until 1992.[2] He also served as a member of the Parliament.[1][3] In the elections of 1976, 1979, 1983 and 1987 he was elected deputy with the Christian Democrats.[4]
He led the Ariston Thermo Group until 2011.[1][6] He was the honorary chairman of the group.[3] In addition, he was the president of the Aristide Merloni Foundation, the national president of the UCID (Christian Union of Entrepreneurs and Managers) and vice president of AREL (Research and Legislation Agency).[3]
Personal life and death
Merloni married Cecilia Lazzarini, and they had three children.[4] Merloni's son, Paolo, is also a businessman.[1] He died in Fabriano on 1 October 2024, at the age of 99.[7]
Honours and awards
Merloni was awarded the Knight Grand Cross Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1994.[8] He was honored by Prix France Italie as best Italian entrepreneur of the year in France in 2003.[4]
