Leopoldo Pirelli, honorary president of Pirelli, dies

Jan. 24, 2007

Leopoldo Pirelli, honorary president of Pirelli & C. SpA, died yesterday (Jan. 23) at his home in Portofino, Italy. He was 81.

Pirelli was born in 1925 in Velate Varesino (Varese). He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Politecnico di Milano when he was 25 and immediately entered the business founded in 1872 by his grandfather, Giovanni Battista Pirelli.

Leopoldo became president of Pirelli SpA in 1965, leading the company through some of its most successful years.

Pirelli leaves his son, Alberto, and daughter, Cecilia.