Pietro Ferrero Italian businessman, CEO of Ferrero Date of Birth: 01.01.1963 Country: South Africa

1. Pietro Ferrero: The Third Generation of Chocolate Pioneers
2. The Ferrero Legacy
3. Pietro's Leadership
4. A Tragic Loss
5. A Guiding Force
6. Passing the Torch

Pietro Ferrero: The Third Generation of Chocolate Pioneers

Pietro Ferrero was born into a family of world-renowned confectionery entrepreneurs in 1963. His father, Michele Ferrero, had transformed the family business, founded by his own father in the 1950s, into a global corporation.

The Ferrero Legacy

The Ferrero family business had grown from a humble beginning to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of chocolate and other sweets, with iconic brands such as Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Chocolate, Kinder Surprise, Tic-Tac, and Raffaello.

Pietro's Leadership

Pietro joined the company in the mid-1980s, when Ferrero was already a leading global confectionery producer. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board for the Italian branch of the company, Ferrero, S.p.A.

While the Ferrero Group has been known for its conservative approach, focusing on promoting established brands, industry analysts saw Pietro as a potential leader in driving innovation and expansion.

A Tragic Loss

On April 18, 2011, the Ferrero family and the business world were shocked by the tragic and mysterious death of Pietro Ferrero. The 47-year-old CEO was found dead in South Africa while on a business trip.

Authorities believe that Pietro was cycling in a suburb of Cape Town when he was struck by a vehicle. Pietro was survived by his wife and three children.

A Guiding Force

Pietro was known for his passion for cycling and maintained his training regimen even while on business trips. He was considered the spiritual and visionary leader of the family-owned company, and his demise left a void that was difficult to fill.

Passing the Torch

After Pietro's untimely death, the reins of the company were passed to his brother, Giovanni Ferrero. The Ferrero Group continued to face challenges as the company was solely owned by members of the Ferrero family. However, Pietro's legacy as an "exemplary Italian businessman," as described by Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, continued to inspire and guide the company.