Date of Birth: March 12, 1921
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: January 24, 2003
Biography
Giovanni “Gianni” Agnelli was an influential Italian industrialist and principal shareholder of Fiat. Born into the prominent Agnelli family, he was named after his grandfather, Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat. Gianni Agnelli was groomed from a young age to take over the family business. He took control of Fiat in 1966 and transformed it into a global automotive powerhouse. Under Agnelli’s leadership, Fiat expanded its influence beyond Italy and became one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. He is credited with modernizing the company and diversifying its portfolio, which included the acquisition of brands such as Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. Agnelli was known for his unique style and charisma, earning him the nickname “L’Avvocato” (The Lawyer), although he rarely practiced law. Agnelli’s influence extended beyond the automotive industry. He was a key figure in Italian politics and culture, often acting as a bridge between Italy and the rest of the world. He was deeply involved in philanthropy and supported various cultural and educational initiatives.
5 Interesting Facts about Gianni Agnelli
1. Gianni Agnelli served as a military officer during World War II and was wounded in action.
2. He was known for his impeccable fashion sense, often setting trends in men’s fashion.
3. Agnelli had a close relationship with Henry Ford II, and they often collaborated on automotive projects.
4. He was a passionate art collector and owned works by Picasso, Renoir, and Matisse.
5. Agnelli was named an honorary citizen of the United States by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gianni Agnelli
1. “The real secret of success is enthusiasm.”
2. “Luxury is the ease of a t-shirt in a very expensive dress.”
3. “I am the custodian of an idea.”
4. “Elegance is not being noticed, it’s about being remembered.”
5. “I think the quality of life is important in any society.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Gianni Agnelli’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 billion.
Children
Gianni Agnelli had two children with his wife Marella Agnelli: Edoardo Agnelli and Margherita Agnelli.
Relevant Links
1. [Gianni Agnelli – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianni_Agnelli
2. [Gianni Agnelli – Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Giovanni-Agnelli
3. [Gianni Agnelli Profile – Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/profile/gianni-agnelli/
4. [Agnelli Family – Fiat History](https://www.fiat.com/fiat-story/agnelli-family
5. [Gianni Agnelli – Legacy](https://www.theguardian.com/news/2003/jan/25/guardianobituaries.italy
