How to Transform a Family Business into a Multinational Enterprise

Long-term commitment, attention to people, and a governance comparable to that of the best listed companies are the «secrets» that allow to transform a family business into a multinational enterprise, according to Paolo Merloni, the Bocconi alumnus of 1992 and third-generation entrepreneur, now Executive Chairman of Ariston Thermo, interviewd by Rector Gianmario Verona in the fourth instalment of the Executive Chats series. «And a fourth factor, even if not a secret, are my years at Bocconi», Mr. Merloni says with a smile.

The main challenge in the appliances industry today is to give «sustainable comfort» to customers, exploiting innovation to reduce energy consumption. Even if Ariston Thermo is a private, family-owned company, Mr. Merloni is «very positive on listing», but it should coincide with «a big consolidation opportunity we are looking for».

«I met my wife and many of my best friends in Bocconi», Mr. Merloni concludes. «Attending Bocconi enhanced my focus on meritocracy and I'm proud of my University's growth in terms of size, quality and rankings since then».