Hubbry Logo
Flavio CattaneoFlavio CattaneoMain
Open search
Flavio Cattaneo
Community hub
Flavio Cattaneo
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Flavio Cattaneo
Flavio Cattaneo
Flavio Cattaneo
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Flavio Cattaneo (born 27 June 1963) is an Italian manager and entrepreneur. Since 2023, he has been CEO and General Manager of Enel and vice chair of Endesa. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Assicurazioni Generali.[1]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Education, early career and professional experience at Rai

[edit]

A graduate in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Cattaneo received a specialisation in business finance and management in the real estate sector at SDA Bocconi School of Management.[2] From 1989 to 1998 he served as CEO of various Italian companies in the building and real estate sectors. From 1998 to 2001, Cattaneo was director of several energy companies, including AEM S.p.A. (now A2A) as deputy chairman, in which he was in charge of the gas distribution activities in the northeast of Italy as CEO of Triveneta Gas S.p.A. and Seneca Gas S.p.A. From 1999 to 2003, he was chairman and CEO of Fiera Milano S.p.A., the leading exhibition group in Italy, of which he oversaw its stock listing in 2001. Before the IPO, he followed the spin-off between the institutional activities of the foundation and the market activities in charge of the S.p.A., which expanded internationally with an increase of its international presence in over 30 countries.

From 2003 to 2005 Cattaneo was nominated general director of Rai. He was the youngest managing director of RAI S.p.A., the Italian public service broadcaster. The next year, under his leadership, the company gained its highest revenue ever.[3]

Positions at Terna, Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV), Telecom Italia, Italo, and Itabus

[edit]

From 2005 to 2014, Cattaneo was CEO of the infrastructure company Terna S.p.A., the Italian electricity transmission grid operator and the leading independent grid operator in Europe. During his management tenure, he developed an international expansion strategy in South America and in the Balkans, doubling the value of the stock price, and leading to the company recognized internationally as the best utility stock in Europe for total shareholder return (Edison Electric International Award Washington D.C., periods from 2007 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2012).

Flavio Cattaneo was awarded the title of Knight of Labour in 2011.

From 2007 to 2011, Cattaneo was also chairman of the Brazilian subsidiary TERNA Partecipaçoes, a private electricity grid operator. During that period, the subsidiary was listed on the BOVESPA Stock Exchange and became the first private grid operator in Brazil.[4]

In his role as CEO of Terna, in 2010, Flavio Cattaneo was named the best Italian manager and ranked fifth overall in the energy sector among more than 40 European executives.[4][5]

He also served on the board of directors of several companies: Generali Assicurazioni (independent director, from December 2014 to April 2016); Domus Italia (chairman, from March 2015 to May 2016); and Cementir Holding S.p.A. (independent director and member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Control and Risks Committee, from January 2008 to April 2015).

From February 2015 to April 2016, Cattaneo was CEO of NTV S.p.A. the first Italian private railway operator in the high-speed railway market (over 90% of sales made via web site CRM). During his time as CEO, NTV achieved positive net income for the first time since inception.

From March 2016 to July 2017 Cattaneo held the title of CEO of Telecom Italia, replacing the resigning Marco Patuano.[6] While he was CEO, Telecom Italia experienced improved growth and efficiency, including completing a major and extraordinary turnaround of the business via a major reorganization of internal processes, efficiency plans on non-core costs, and revenue plans. This resulted in the company increasing its customer and revenue numbers to levels not reached in the last 10 years, increasing its core investments, bringing the company back to leading the mobile segment in downloads, and covering around 70% of the country with fibre. Before his appointment as CEO, he was already on the board of directors as an independent director since April 2014; he also served as member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee until March 2015.

Cattaneo's responsibilities at Telecom Italia were related to the overall management of the society and the group, being in charge of conceiving and implementing strategic, financial, and industrial plans. He also had organizational responsibilities, in charge of managing and developing Italian and South American business.[7][8]

During Cattaneo's tenure, the development of the 2016-2018[9] business plan included the growth and improved efficiency of the group. The results of this plan were visible in the second and third quarters of 2016, when Telecom Italia registered results in the domestic market not equalled since 2007:[10] +1,4% of consolidated returns, +8,5% of the group's Ebitda, +1% of domestic business unit revenue, and an overall return of €1 billion (vs €367 million gained in the same period of 2015).

Cattaneo returned to Italo-Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori as CEO, from September 2017 to December 2018.[11] In February 2018, Cattaneo finalized the sale of Italo to GIP – Global Infrastructure Partners (an American fund that focuses its investments on three main sectors: energy, transportation and water/waste) for an enterprise value of €2.4 billion,[12] reinvesting in the company, and remaining a shareholder.[13] From December 2018, Cattaneo has served as executive deputy chairman of Italo - Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori.[14]

On 27 April 2021, Itabus was launched, a private long-distance bus transport company of which Flavio Cattaneo is founder and majority shareholder.[15] Among the key figures involved in the initiative are Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Giovanni and Lucio Punzo, Angelo Donati, and Isabella Seragnoli.[16] Flavio Cattaneo established Itabus through Essecieffe Investment, a company he founded in 2014 to focus on entrepreneurial ventures, and which was already a shareholder in Italo.[17]

Since 29 April 2022, he has once again served as a board member of Assicurazioni Generali, having previously held the same role from 2014 to 2016.[1]

Professional roles at Enel and Endesa

[edit]

In May 2023, he was appointed CEO and General Manager of Enel.[18] In June 2023, he was also appointed Vice Chair of Endesa.[19]

In spring 2023, Italo acquired 100% of Itabus.[20] Flavio Cattaneo remained a shareholder and Vice President of the company, while stepping down from all executive responsibilities.[21] At the end of April 2024, following the completion of the acquisition of a majority stake in Italo by the MSC Group, Flavio Cattaneo sold his shares and stepped down from all previously held positions.[22] In May 2024, he voluntarily declined his severance package from Enel, amounting to approximately €10 million, equivalent to 24 months of salary.[23] In November 2024, he presented Enel’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, which included investments totaling €43 billion.[24] On 24 April 2025, he was reconfirmed as a member of the board of directors of Assicurazioni Generali.[25]

Awards and honors

[edit]

National awards

[edit]
  • In December 2011, he was named “Man of the Year” by Staffetta Quotidiana.[27]
  • In December 2016, he was voted “Manager of the Year” in a Milano-Finanza survey, in recognition of the industrial improvements achieved by the Telecom Italia Group, including increased revenues in both mobile and fixed-line services during the first nine months of the year.[28]

International awards

[edit]
  • EEI International Utility Award for best-performing European utility based on stock performance for the period 2006-2009.[29]
  • EEI International Utility Award for best-performing European utility based on stock performance for the period 2010-2012.[30]
  • Lombard Elite Award, for contributions to improving Italy’s competitiveness.[31]
  • Niaf Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Management Leadership during the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)’s 50th-anniversary celebrations held in Washington in October 2025.[32][33]

Criticism

[edit]

Flavio Cattaneo earned a bonus of €25 million as CEO at Telecom Italia; this has been stated by some market economy analysts as an unfair bonus, because of the company's high debt load, estimated at €26 billion.[34]

Personal life

[edit]

Cattaneo is married to the Italian actress Sabrina Ferilli.

References

[edit]

See also

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Flavio Cattaneo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Flavio Cattaneo (born 1963) is an Italian business executive serving as and of S.p.A., Europe's largest utility by , since May 2023.
Graduating in from the , he specialized in real estate finance through a post-graduate program at SDA Bocconi School of Management before entering management in 1989 with his family's construction firm.
Cattaneo advanced to executive roles at AEM Milan (later ), RAI as from 2003 to 2005, and as chair and CEO from 1999 to 2003, where he oversaw its listing on the Italian .
From 2005 to 2014, he led Terna as CEO, directing its international growth including the listing of its Brazilian subsidiary; he then served as CEO of Telecom Italia from 2016 to 2017 and NTV-Italo in two stints between 2014 and 2018.
His departure from Telecom Italia followed disputes with shareholder , culminating in a €29 million that sparked debate over in Italian firms.
Nominated by the Italian government under Prime Minister , Cattaneo's leadership emphasizes accelerated cost-cutting, asset disposals to reduce debt, and sustained dividends amid energy sector challenges.
Recognized with the Knight of Labor honor in 2011 and industry awards for competitiveness, he exemplifies serial leadership in and utilities.

Early Life and Education

Birth and Upbringing

Flavio Cattaneo was born on 27 June 1963 in Rho, a municipality in the , region, . He grew up in the same locality, a suburban area known for its industrial and residential character near . Details on Cattaneo's family background and childhood remain sparse in public records, with no verified accounts of parental professions or specific formative experiences beyond his local upbringing in Rho. Following , he pursued higher studies in , indicating an early interest in and fields potentially influenced by regional economic opportunities in and building sectors.

Academic Background

Flavio Cattaneo received a laurea in from the Politecnico di Milano. He later completed a specialization in finance applied to the real estate sector at the SDA Bocconi School of Management. This postgraduate program focused on business management and financial strategies in property development, bridging his architectural with practical applications in the . No further formal academic qualifications beyond these are documented in professional profiles.

Professional Career

Early Roles in Architecture and Finance

Cattaneo graduated with a degree in from the Politecnico di Milano and subsequently obtained a specialization in from SDA Bocconi School of Management. From 1989 to 1998, he assumed the role of at multiple Italian firms engaged in the building and sectors, applying his architectural knowledge to projects and his financial training to development and management operations. These positions represented his entry into executive , focusing on sectors directly informed by his educational background in , , and analysis for real assets.

Leadership at Terna (2005–2014)

Flavio Cattaneo served as of Terna S.p.A., Italy's primary electricity , from November 2005 to May 2014. During this period, he directed the company's strategic expansion following its spin-off from in 2004, emphasizing grid reliability, modernization, and capacity to support growing electricity demand and renewable energy integration. Under Cattaneo's leadership, Terna executed substantial capital investments to enhance the national transmission network, totaling approximately €8 billion from 2005 onward, which facilitated the construction of 2,500 km of new high-voltage lines and 89 new substations. Between 2005 and 2010 alone, investments reached €4 billion—double the amount outlined in the 2006 strategic plan—including 2,200 km of new power lines and the reconductoring of 1,500 km of existing infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce losses. Key projects completed included the submarine cable linking to the mainland, the S. Barbara–Tavarnuzze-Casellina line in , and grid restructuring in Val d’Ossola, alongside new stations in Bisaccia, , and Maida to accommodate renewable sources. Financial performance strengthened markedly, with revenues rising from €499.6 million in the first half of 2005 to €1,580 million in 2010 (a 14% increase from 2009) and approaching €2 billion by 2014 (up 5.3% from 2013). Gross climbed to €1,170 million in 2010 (up 17% year-over-year), yielding a profitability margin of 74%, while surged 135% over the five years to 2010; expanded from €3.9 billion in 2005 to €6.6 billion by 2010. These results supported consistent payouts totaling €1.7 billion since 2005, growing at 10% annually. In 2010, Terna was recognized as Europe's top-performing over the prior three years for yield, with Cattaneo accepting the award on behalf of the company. Cattaneo prioritized operational efficiency and technological upgrades, including over €130 million annually in high-tech applications by the late , while maintaining net debt below €7 billion despite elevated capex and generating €260 million in in 2014. His tenure positioned Terna as Europe's largest independent transmission operator by grid length, exceeding 39,000 km, with a focus on safety and cost-effectiveness amid Italy's evolving energy landscape.

Tenure at Telecom Italia (2018–2022)

Flavio Cattaneo served as Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Italia from March 30, 2016, to July 28, 2017, succeeding Marco Patuano amid efforts to restructure the debt-laden company. His appointment, supported initially by major shareholder Vivendi, aimed at operational efficiency and industrial turnaround, drawing on his prior experience leading Terna's expansion. During this period, Cattaneo prioritized cost management, network investments, and a shift toward digital infrastructure, including plans for fiber optic rollout to enhance competitiveness in Italy's telecom market. In October 2016, Cattaneo unveiled the "A Transforming Company" strategic plan for 2017–2019, targeting stabilization, EBITDA growth, and debt reduction through asset optimization and divestitures. The plan emphasized separating the network infrastructure unit to unlock value and attract , while pursuing efficiency gains estimated at €1.1 billion annually via organizational streamlining and reductions. Under his , Telecom Italia reported improved metrics, including a reversal from -5.6% quarterly decline in early 2016 to +3.7% growth by mid-2017, alongside EBITDA margin expansion of 13.6 percentage points. Tensions with Vivendi escalated over strategic direction, particularly regarding merger proposals with smaller operators like Oi and , leading to Cattaneo's departure by mutual consent on July 24, 2017. He received a €25 million , which some analysts criticized as excessive given the short tenure, though defenders highlighted achieved turnarounds in operational performance. Post-departure, elements of his fiber expansion and efficiency initiatives persisted under successor Genish, though broader governance shifts influenced by Vivendi altered execution. No formal executive role followed at Telecom Italia after 2017.

Positions at Italo and Pre-Enel Transition

In September 2017, following his departure from Telecom Italia, Flavio Cattaneo returned to NTV-Italo (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori), the operator of Italy's private service, as , a position he had previously held from 2014 to 2016. He served in this capacity until December 2018, during which period the company navigated operational expansions and ownership changes, including the finalization of a significant stake sale in February 2018 to infrastructure investor HD Fund. From December 2018 onward, Cattaneo transitioned to the role of executive deputy chairman at Italo-NTV, while also chairing the company's executive committee. This non-executive leadership position allowed him to maintain strategic oversight amid Italo's growth, including the launch of low-cost bus service Itabus in April 2021, backed by his investment vehicle Essecieffe Investment, a in Italo since 2014. Cattaneo retained these Italo roles through early 2023, serving as executive vice president as of April 2023, prior to his and subsequent appointment as CEO of in May 2023. This interlude marked a return to transportation infrastructure, leveraging his prior experience at Terna and Italo to focus on efficiency in competitive markets, before shifting to energy sector leadership.

CEO of Enel (2023–Present)

Flavio Cattaneo was appointed Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Enel S.p.A. on May 12, 2023, by the company's Board of Directors, succeeding Francesco Starace following a management transition influenced by the Italian government as Enel's largest shareholder. The appointment granted Cattaneo full operational powers, with the board confirming the existing division of responsibilities between the CEO and chairman. Under Cattaneo's leadership, adopted a more selective , prioritizing profitability and over expansive renewables growth. In November 2023, the company outlined plans to install 13.4 GW of new clean energy capacity from 2024 to 2026, a reduction from prior targets of 21 GW, reflecting a focus on higher-return projects amid market challenges. This shift emphasized Italy-centric operations and disciplined capital allocation, contributing to a 35% rise in Enel's to €83.2 billion by mid-2025, adding €21 billion in value since his appointment. Financial performance strengthened, with first-quarter 2025 revenues reaching €22.074 billion, up 13.6% year-over-year, and net profit increasing nearly 4% to €2 billion despite declining electricity prices. For the first half of 2025, revenues grew 5.4% to €40.816 billion, with EBITDA at €11.5 billion and net ordinary income rising, supported by strong contributions from Iberia and the . In November 2024, Cattaneo presented Enel's 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, allocating €43 billion in investments primarily to networks and renewables to support the while ensuring financial sustainability. The plan targets ordinary net profit of €6.7-6.9 billion for 2025, alongside increased dividends, balancing grid infrastructure for with selective renewable expansions to achieve net-zero goals by 2040. This approach integrates public-private partnerships and to address geopolitical and market risks in the transition.

Business Philosophy and Strategic Priorities

Focus on Operational Efficiency and Cost Management

Upon assuming the role of CEO at in May 2023, Flavio Cattaneo prioritized through a comprehensive cost-reduction initiative targeting €1.2 billion in savings by 2026 relative to a 2022 baseline, achieved via process optimizations, streamlining, and operational restructuring. This strategy emphasized transforming into a leaner organization by reallocating resources toward regulated grid activities, which offer stable returns, while divesting non-core assets to lower debt and enhance financial resilience. By November 2024, the ongoing program had supported 's ability to raise its minimum payout while investing over €45 billion through 2027, demonstrating that efficiency gains enabled balanced growth without excessive leverage. Cattaneo's approach extended to debt management, aiming to reduce Enel's average gross debt cost by 20 basis points over three years despite rising rates, through and efficiency-driven cash flow improvements. In the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, he outlined further cash-cost reductions split across operating expenses (opex) and capital expenditures (capex), reinforcing a focus on disciplined budgeting to sustain net-zero ambitions without compromising profitability. These measures built on his prior tenure at Telecom Italia (2018–2022), where he was appointed to implement aggressive cost-cutting amid financial pressures, including workforce optimization and vendor negotiations that stabilized operations during market volatility. At Terna (2005–2014), Cattaneo similarly drove efficiency by modernizing grid infrastructure with targeted investments that minimized downtime and operational waste, contributing to the company's emergence as Italy's leading transmission operator through data-driven rather than expansive spending. Across his career, this philosophy reflects a consistent emphasis on causal linkages between cost discipline and long-term value creation, prioritizing empirical metrics like EBITDA margins and return on invested capital over expansive growth narratives.

Advocacy for Market-Driven Reforms

Flavio Cattaneo has consistently advocated for market-driven reforms in , particularly emphasizing to foster private competition in service sectors while preserving public ownership of essential . He distinguishes —defined as opening markets to competing private operators—from mere , which he views as transferring a monopoly from public to private hands without introducing rivalry. In a December 2022 interview, Cattaneo stated, "Liberalizzare significa aprire un settore alla concorrenza tra privati," arguing that this approach, rather than asset sales, drives efficiency and benefits all stakeholders. Cattaneo's advocacy is exemplified by his support for regulatory changes in the rail sector, where he served as CEO and major shareholder of (operator of Italo high-speed trains). In November 2015, as administrator of Italo, he praised proposed reforms to enhance in passenger and , asserting that "viaggiatori, merci e concorrenza" would soon yield evident advantages through lower costs and improved services. He cites the market as a success story of , noting that private entrants like Italo, operating without state subsidies, have competed effectively against incumbents, reducing fares and expanding options for consumers and businesses. Extending this philosophy, Cattaneo calls for privatizing services "where possible" while keeping , as in his : "Posto che le infrastrutture devono essere pubbliche, il resto... deve essere tutto privato." He criticizes inefficient public-private arrangements, such as in local (TPL), where lack of tenders—particularly in for over 15 years—perpetuates subsidies and stifles competition, burdening taxpayers without delivering value. In sectors like energy and telecom, where he led Terna, Telecom Italia, and , his leadership emphasized operational efficiencies and divestments to align with competitive markets, though he prioritizes competition over state intervention to avoid monopolistic distortions.

Perspectives on Energy Transition and Geopolitics

Flavio Cattaneo has advocated for a pragmatic approach to the , emphasizing that it must foster industrial competitiveness rather than , by building new supply chains centered on technological autonomy and high-quality manufacturing. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like Enel's 3Sun in , —the only remaining photovoltaic panel production facility in —as a model for "" innovation in renewables, capable of producing 3 GW annually of advanced bifacial panels. This perspective aligns with his call for policy support, such as EU funding (€118 million grant and €560 million from the ), to position as a leader without sacrificing economic viability. Cattaneo stresses diversification in energy sources, positioning renewables, smart grids, and as core elements for achieving and resilience. He has noted Italy's leadership in smart metering—with a second-generation system enabling bidirectional flows, AI integration, and prosumer models like rooftop solar—to enhance grid flexibility amid fluctuating demand. Nuclear, in particular, complements intermittent renewables by providing stable baseload capacity, a view he reiterated in discussions on Italy's sectoral transformation. He opposes abrupt phase-outs, such as Italy's mandated closure by 2025, arguing for systemic evaluations that prioritize security; faces decommissioning two operational plants, which could have buffered recent gas shortages, underscoring the risks of rigid timelines without adequate alternatives. Public-private collaboration is central to Cattaneo's framework, essential for mobilizing investments in renewables and while ensuring transparent policies, climate-risk regulations, and streamlined authorizations—particularly in emerging markets—to enable a . Speaking at the 80th UN in September 2025, he framed the transition as a creator of long-term value for all stakeholders through balanced financial and environmental , rather than ideological mandates. On , Cattaneo views energy strategy through the lens of , positioning as a conduit linking and to the Global South to mitigate supply vulnerabilities and advance mutual interests. He has leveraged forums like the and to forge partnerships, such as €6 billion in Latin American grid investments (22% of Enel's €26 billion regional allocation), targeting under President Lula da Silva, Argentina's Milei administration, and . This includes 35% of Enel's €12 billion renewables budget directed to the region, fostering diversified supply chains amid geopolitical shifts like reduced Russian gas dependence. Cattaneo's involvement in initiatives like the Italy-UAE-Albania trilateral pact for green energy interconnections exemplifies efforts to enhance Europe's through non-traditional alliances, bypassing overreliance on single suppliers. These strategies integrate transition goals with realist , prioritizing resilient over accelerated decarbonization that could expose economies to , as evidenced by Enel's selective renewables expansion and grid-focused €26 billion investment in its 2025–2027 plan.

Achievements and Financial Impact

Key Milestones Across Companies

During his tenure as CEO of Terna from to 2014, Flavio Cattaneo oversaw significant financial expansion, with EBITDA rising from €722 million in to over €1 billion by , reflecting approximately 40% cumulative growth. Net profit increased by about 160% over the same period to €771 million in , bolstered by capital gains of €417 million from the sale of Brazilian assets and strategic acquisitions such as 18,000 km of grid infrastructure. Investments more than tripled to over €900 million annually by , supporting grid development, while the EBITDA margin improved from 66% in to 74% by 2010, and total shareholder return reached 37.2% in amid a 28.5% share price gain. At Telecom Italia, where Cattaneo served as CEO from 2016 to 2017, he implemented a turnaround strategy that reversed revenue declines, shifting consolidated turnover growth from -5.6% to +3.7% by mid-2017, a 9.3 improvement. The initiative delivered consistent positive quarterly results, with the company acknowledging a "major and extraordinary turnaround" upon his departure, including enhanced EBITDA performance amid cost-cutting measures that more than doubled targets to 2018. As CEO of NTV-Italo from 2014 to 2016 and 2017 to 2018, Cattaneo drove a strategic operational overhaul starting in 2015, focusing on efficiency improvements and network expansion to stabilize the operator amid competitive pressures. Since assuming the role of CEO at in May 2023, Cattaneo has presided over a 35% rise in to €83.2 billion by mid-2025, with shares delivering over 50% total return including dividends for investors from appointment date. Key actions include personal investment of €40 million in and shares, alongside dividend payouts of €0.90 per share yielding 5.7% over 12 months, contributing to sustained EBITDA growth and debt discipline through targeted disposals.

Recognitions and Awards

In 2010, Cattaneo was nominated as the best Italian manager in the energy sector for his at Terna. The following year, he received the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro from the President of the Italian Republic, recognizing his contributions to Italian industry and economy. Also in 2011, he was named "Man of the Year" by the energy sector publication Staffetta Quotidiana for advancing infrastructure development. Cattaneo was honored with the EEI International Utility Award in 2010, presented by the in , for Terna's superior stock performance as the top European from 2006 to 2009. In recognition of his accomplishments at Terna, he received the GEI Friendship Award from the Gruppo Esponenti Italiani in New York during a 2012 luncheon event. On October 20, 2025, at the National Italian American Foundation's 50th anniversary gala in , Cattaneo was awarded the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award for his career in energy and infrastructure, highlighting his role as CEO of .

Controversies and Criticisms

Executive Compensation and Severance Disputes

In July 2017, Flavio Cattaneo departed as CEO of Telecom Italia after 16 months in the role, amid tensions with major shareholder , resulting in a negotiated of €25 million. The payout, approved by the board despite opposition from Vivendi representatives, stemmed from a contractual "special award" clause entitling him to up to €40 million for early termination, plus standard severance, though the final amount was reduced through negotiation. The arrangement drew widespread criticism in Italian media and among shareholders for its size relative to Cattaneo's short tenure, with outlets labeling it a "maxi-buonuscita" (mega severance) and ranking it among the largest executive exits in Italian corporate history. Cattaneo defended the package, asserting it was not scandalous given approval of his original contract—including €40 million in total potential compensation—and crediting his leadership for operational improvements at the company prior to the disputes. Critics, including groups, highlighted it as emblematic of excessive executive pay in Italian state-influenced firms, though the board emphasized the mutual consent termination and Cattaneo's contributions to cost-cutting and debt reduction. Earlier in 2016, Cattaneo's initial Telecom Italia compensation package—projected at €40 million over his term—itself sparked debate, with him countering accusations of overpayment by arguing that Italian executives were historically undercompensated compared to European peers, incentivizing talent retention. No comparable disputes arose during his prior tenure at (Italo) or upon joining in 2023. At , in May 2024, Cattaneo voluntarily waived a potential €10 million severance (equivalent to 24 months' pay) in the event of non-renewal, alongside forgoing variable bonuses and maintaining fixed pay levels, as part of a self-imposed adjustment amid public scrutiny of utility executive pay.

Labor Relations and Union Conflicts

During his early tenure as CEO of (Italo), starting in 2014, Cattaneo oversaw the placement of 248 workers into mobility procedures as part of cost-reduction efforts, prompting immediate by unions after the company broke off negotiations. At Telecom Italia (TIM), where Cattaneo served as CEO from 2016 to 2017, labor tensions arose over aggressive cost-cutting measures, including reductions in non-essential perks like meal vouchers, despite his assurances to unions of no planned redundancies during initial meetings with SLC-CGIL, Fistel-CISL, and UILCOM-UIL. Workers organized manifestations and a with over 70% participation, protesting perceived sacrifices and management decisions under Cattaneo's leadership. As CEO of since October 2023, Cattaneo's focus on operational efficiency has coincided with union-declared strikes, including a nationwide action on March 8, 2024, proclaimed by major confederations against of services and what unions described as prioritization of financial profits over worker interests. In , local Enel workers specifically struck over service reductions tied to externalization strategies, reflecting broader syndical resistance to restructuring under his strategic plan.

Political Appointments and Ideological Critiques

Flavio Cattaneo's tenure as Director General of , Italy's public broadcaster, from 2003 to 2005, marked his first prominent political appointment, nominated by Silvio Berlusconi's center-right government. In this role, he managed the integration of RAI with its holding company and pursued operational restructuring amid financial challenges, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. The appointment occurred in a context of government influence over public media, with the state holding significant control through parliamentary oversight. Critics, particularly from left-leaning outlets, accused Cattaneo's administration of politicizing content through stringent enforcement of media parity rules, which they claimed suppressed and favored aligned narratives. For instance, il manifesto reported instances of justified under parity pretexts, framing these as tools to align broadcasting with government interests rather than neutrality. Such critiques often reflected broader ideological opposition to center-right media oversight, though empirical evidence of in predated and outlasted this period, with state-appointed boards influencing programming across administrations. In April 2023, Cattaneo was nominated by Giorgia Meloni's government as Chief Executive Officer of SpA, Italy's state-influenced energy utility where the government holds a 23.6% stake; the board confirmed the appointment on May 12, 2023. The selection, reportedly advocated by of the Lega party, followed a slate of government-proposed directors and aimed to refocus the company on efficiency amid geopolitical energy pressures. Ideological critiques of this nomination emanated primarily from left-oriented media, portraying it as a partisan allocation of state assets to coalition allies, sidelining candidates deemed more aligned with prior administrations' priorities. Outlets like il manifesto described it as a "retromarcia" conceding Enel to Lega and Forza Italia figures, implying an ideological shift toward market-oriented reforms over environmental or social mandates. These perspectives, while attributing neoliberal tendencies to Cattaneo's track record of cost management, overlook his pragmatic stances—such as advocating nuclear energy integration without ideological rejection of renewables—and often amplify union discontent over restructuring, which empirical data links to Enel's improved financial metrics post-2023. Sources advancing such critiques, including those with documented left-wing editorial slants, tend to prioritize narrative over verifiable performance outcomes like dividend stability and reduction under his .

Recent Developments

Enel Strategic Plan (2025–2027)

The Group's 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, unveiled by CEO Flavio Cattaneo on November 18, 2024, during the Capital Markets Day in , emphasizes financial solidity, sustainable growth, and a selective approach to investments amid the . The plan prioritizes regulated assets for predictable returns, with total gross capital expenditures projected at approximately €43 billion, representing a €7 billion increase over the prior three-year period. This allocation reflects a shift toward core activities, including enhanced grid resilience, targeted renewables expansion, and customer-oriented solutions, while aiming for €1.5 billion in operational efficiencies by 2027 compared to 2022 levels. Investments are heavily weighted toward grids, with €26 billion allocated—about 60% of total capex—to digitalization and expansion, particularly in Europe (78% of grid spending, including €16 billion in Italy and €4 billion in Spain) and Latin America (22%). Renewables receive €12 billion to add 12 GW of capacity, focusing on onshore wind, hydro, and batteries, bringing total renewable capacity to 76 GW by 2027 and increasing generation by 15%. The Customers segment gets €2.7 billion for bundled offerings and a targeted 5% growth in customer base, while 75% of overall investments target Europe and 25% Latin America and North America. The plan assumes regulatory support and power price scenarios aligned with forward curves, such as €104–€115/MWh in Italy for 2025–2027. Financial targets include ordinary EBITDA of €24.1–€24.5 billion by 2027, implying a of approximately 7% from €17.3 billion in 2022, driven largely by grids contributing around 40% of EBITDA. Net ordinary profit is forecasted at €7.1–€7.5 billion, with an 11% CAGR. sets a minimum payout of €0.46 per share, up from €0.43, with potential upside to 70% of net ordinary income. Sustainability goals align with net-zero emissions by 2040, including full coal plant closure by 2027. Cattaneo described the strategy as enabling to "focus on core activities and a flexible capital allocation," building on 2024 results for value creation.

Partnerships, Divestitures, and Performance Metrics

Under Flavio Cattaneo's leadership as CEO since May 2023, has emphasized partnerships to drive growth with reduced capital intensity. The 2024-2026 strategic plan highlighted s as a key lever for renewables expansion, targeting net investments of approximately €6 billion after partnership contributions, focused on onshore , solar, and geothermal projects. In , strengthened ties with local entities to bridge European and interests, enhancing operational resilience amid geopolitical shifts. A brownfield development deal in exemplified this approach, unlocking value in existing assets while sharing risks with partners. Enel advanced its divestiture program to optimize its balance sheet and curb net debt, executing sales exceeding €21 billion in assets since Cattaneo's appointment, including non-core holdings in renewables and . The company prioritized disposals not at discounted valuations, with advanced-stage deals projected to generate €3.3 billion by 2026, aligning with broader efficiency reviews initiated in 2023. This culminated in the near-completion of the program by late 2024, supporting debt reduction while retaining strategic grids and renewables. Performance metrics under Cattaneo reflect improved financial discipline, with Enel's market capitalization rising 35% to €83.2 billion within two years of his tenure, attributed to streamlined operations and capital reallocation. The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio declined to 2.4 times by mid-2024, down from prior peaks, alongside double-digit year-over-year gains in key financials and a €3 billion increase in funds from operations compared to 2021 highs. For the first half of 2025, ordinary EBITDA reached €11.5 billion, up 0.9% from the prior year, driven by grid efficiencies despite margin pressures in Italy. The 2025-2027 plan targets ordinary EBITDA of €6.7-6.9 billion for 2025, with €43 billion in investments skewed toward networks (70%) and renewables, alongside rising dividends.
Key Performance MetricValuePeriodNotes
€83.2 billionAs of July 202535% increase since May 2023 appointment
Net Debt/EBITDA Ratio2.4xMid-2024Reflects via disposals and efficiency
Ordinary EBITDA€11.5 billionH1 2025+0.9% YoY, supported by operational improvements
Funds from Operations+€3 billion vs. 20212024Double-digit financial gains

Personal Life

Family and Private Interests

Cattaneo was first married to Cristina Goi, with whom he has two children. On 29 January 2011, he married Italian actress in a private ceremony in ; the couple had met in 2005. Ferilli and Cattaneo have no children together. Details on Cattaneo's private interests remain sparse in public records, reflecting his preference for discretion outside professional spheres; Ferilli has described their shared pursuits as encompassing reading, politics, and cinema.

Involvement in Foundations and Philanthropy

Cattaneo serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Enel Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Enel Group focused on advancing research, innovation, and training in the energy sector. Under his leadership, the foundation underwent a strategic reshape in July 2025, establishing itself as a global hub for energy research and education to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers in support of the energy transition. He has publicly emphasized the foundation's role in integrating scientific knowledge with business practices to develop scalable solutions for sustainable energy challenges. In addition to his oversight of Enel Foundation initiatives, Cattaneo has engaged in direct charitable contributions, notably during the . In March 2020, he participated in Italy's "Emergenza Coronavirus" fundraising campaign by donating two ventilators to Clinica Columbus in to aid frontline medical efforts. This act aligned with broader private sector responses to the health crisis but reflected personal commitment beyond corporate channels. No evidence indicates involvement in independent personal foundations or extensive non-Enel-linked philanthropy programs as of October 2025. His foundation work primarily channels through Enel Group's sustainability and innovation priorities rather than standalone humanitarian or social causes.

References

  1. https://www.enel.com/investors/governance/board-of-directors/flavio-cattaneo
  2. https://en.topmanagers.it/manager/flavio_cattaneo
  3. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-24/telecom-italia-ceo-exits-with-29-million-after-vivendi-clash
  4. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/telecom-italia-boss-defends-multi-120056585.html
  5. https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/italy-names-cattaneo-at-enel-as-meloni-shakes-up-state-firms
  6. https://www.firstonline.info/en/enel-un-anno-sotto-la-guida-di-flavio-cattaneo-avanti-con-il-piano-di-dismissioni-taglia-debito/
  7. https://www.generali.com/governance/board-of-directors/flavio-cattaneo
  8. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/flavio-cattaneo-48493.php
  9. https://italospa.italotreno.it/static/upload/fla/flavio-cattaneo-cv-eng.pdf
  10. https://www.crunchbase.com/person/flavio-cattaneo
  11. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/4694892
  12. https://www.gruppotim.it/en/press-archive/corporate/2016/flavio-cattaneo-appointed-chief-executive-officer.html
  13. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0086/92.pdf
  14. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0086/59.pdf
  15. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0116/49.PDF
  16. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0057/55.pdf
  17. https://www.repubblica.it/economia/2010/03/15/news/terna_premiata_come_miglior_utility_per_rendimento_in_europa-2674873/
  18. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0054/64.pdf
  19. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0054/61.pdf
  20. https://www.reuters.com/article/telecomitalia-ceo/update-1-telecom-italia-picks-flavio-cattaneo-as-new-ceo-idUKL5N17247A
  21. https://www.lightreading.com/operations/cattaneo-quits-as-telecom-italia-ceo-gets-25m
  22. https://www.gruppotim.it/en/press-archive/corporate/2017/TIM-Group-2017-2019-strategic-plan-approved.html
  23. https://totaltele.com/cattaneo-bids-tim-arrivederci-with-a-flourish-as-q2-revenue-surges/
  24. https://www.wsj.com/articles/telecom-italia-ceo-said-to-be-leaving-amid-vivendi-tensions-1500907270
  25. https://totaltele.com/tim-ceo-gets-e25m-golden-handshake/
  26. https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/29ot42ikril15nmwbsqk6/appointments/cattaneo-gets-25m-to-leave-tim-after-major-and-extraordinary-turnaround
  27. https://www.niaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Flavio-Cattaneo-BIO.pdf
  28. https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/flavio-cattaneo-chi-e-il-nuovo-ad-di-enel/
  29. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-12/italy-nominates-cattaneo-at-enel-as-meloni-shakes-up-state-firms
  30. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/italy-ousts-starace-enel-confirms-enis-descalzi-2023-04-12/
  31. https://www.enel.com/it/investitori/governance/consiglio-amministrazione/flavio-cattaneo
  32. https://www.generali.com/it/governance/board-of-directors/flavio-cattaneo
  33. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-press-releases/press/2023/05/enel-the-new-board-of-directors-appoints-flavio-cattaneo-as-chief-executive-officer-and-general-manager
  34. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/enel-appoints-cattaneo-ceo-sets-chairman-powers-2023-05-12/
  35. https://www.windpowermonthly.com/article/1848669/enel-lowers-renewables-ambition-selective-approach
  36. https://www.rechargenews.com/wind/enel-to-adopt-more-selective-approach-to-investment-and-slow-down-renewables-expansion/2-1-1558669
  37. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/under-new-ceo-enel-seen-more-focused-italy-selective-renewables-2023-11-17/
  38. https://www.firstonline.info/en/ma-i-ceo-fanno-davvero-la-differenza-ecco-quanto-vale-leffetto-cattaneo-per-enel-secondo-bloomberg/
  39. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-press-releases/press/2025/05/enel-confirms-the-positive-evolution-of-group-results-in-the-first-quarter-of-2025-driven-by-the-consistent-performance-of-the-integrated-business-in-iberia-and-the-americas-confirmed-once-again-all-targets-for-the-year
  40. https://energynews.pro/en/enel-posts-e2bn-net-profit-rise-despite-falling-electricity-prices/
  41. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-press-releases/press/2025/07/enel-first-half-2025-results-increasing-thanks-to-the-positive-contribution-of-spain-support-confirmation-of-year-end-guidance
  42. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ENEL.MI/earnings/ENEL.MI-Q2-2025-earnings_call-311982.html/
  43. https://www.enel.com/investors/strategy
  44. https://www.firstonline.info/en/enel-2025-2027-nel-nuovo-piano-dividendi-al-rialzo-e-investimenti-per-43-miliardi-di-euro-numeri-in-crescita-focus-su-reti-e-rinnovabili/
  45. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-18/enel-raises-dividend-and-targets-6-7-6-9-billion-in-2025-profit
  46. https://corporate.enelx.com/en/stories/2024/01/enel-new-roadmap-for-net-zero-world
  47. https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/article/enel/enel-group-how-investments-in-grids-will-support-the-energy-transition-while-creating-value-for-all-stakeholders
  48. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/italys-enel-sets-targets-next-three-years-2023-11-22/
  49. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-26/enel-first-half-beats-consensus-as-new-ceo-eyes-efficiency
  50. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/italys-enel-invest-over-45-bln-by-2027-2024-11-18/
  51. https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-com/documenti/investitori/informazioni-finanziarie/2023/2024-2026-strategic-plan.pdf
  52. https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-com/documenti/investitori/informazioni-finanziarie/2024/2025-2027-strategic-plan.pdf
  53. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0057/16.pdf
  54. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-21/enel-ceo-candidate-aims-to-cut-costs-and-confirm-dividend-policy
  55. https://www.ilgiornale.it/news/politica/avanti-liberalizzazioni-tutti-i-servizi-vadano-ai-privati-2093636.html
  56. https://www.dagospia.com/business/flavio-cattaneo-infrastrutture-devono-essere-pubbliche-resto-tutto-335132
  57. https://www.repubblica.it/economia/2015/11/24/news/flavio_cattaneo_viaggiatori_merci_e_concorrenza_presto_i_vantaggi_saranno_evidenti_-128051938/
  58. https://www.enel.com/company/stories/articles/2024/02/energy-transition-3sun-made-in-italy
  59. https://www.energiaitalia.news/policy/policy-italia/indipendenza-energetica-cattaneo-rinnovabili-reti-intelligenti-e-nucleare-al-centro-del-cambiamento/57528/
  60. https://www.industriaitaliana.it/stop-carbone-2025-no-cattaneo-enel-descalzi-eni/
  61. https://www.industriaitaliana.it/enel-flavio-cattaneo-assemblea-transizione-energetica/
  62. https://www.lastampa.it/economia/2025/09/25/news/enel_l_ad_cattaneo_dalla_transizione_energetica_valore_di_lungo_termine_per_tutti-15324286/
  63. https://decode39.com/9713/enel-economic-diplomacy-and-financial-strength-from-europe-to-south-america/
  64. https://decode39.com/9809/italy-uae-albania-energy-pact/
  65. https://download.terna.it/terna/0000/0085/37.pdf
  66. https://www.gruppotim.it/en/press-archive/corporate/2017/PR-CdA-TIM-24-07-17-TERMINATED-CONTRACT-eng.html
  67. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSI6N18700Y/
  68. https://www.railwaygazette.com/in-depth/italy-transformation-at-italo-ntv/54818.article
  69. https://paragonintel.com/flavio-cattaneo-ceo-analysis-enel-it/
  70. https://www.pressrelease.com/news/flavio-cattaneo-received-the-eei-international-utility-award-in-london-58263
  71. https://geinewyork.com/eventi/gei-luncheon/dr-flavio-cattaneo/
  72. https://www.ilgiornale.it/news/attualit/ceo-enel-flavio-cattaneo-premiato-negli-stati-uniti-sua-2555376.html
  73. https://www.niaf.org/niaf_event/la-niaf-annuncia-altri-illustri-premiati-per-il-gala-del-50-anniversario/?lang=it
  74. https://www.ft.com/content/b142b2e8-6fa9-11e7-93ff-99f383b09ff9
  75. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/telecom-italia-ceo-cattaneo-set-to-step-down-idUSKBN1A624N/
  76. https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2017/07/24/tim-con-25-milioni-di-buonuscita-flavio-cattaneo-entra-nella-top-ten-dei-divorzi-doro-di-piazza-affari/3751984/
  77. https://www.repubblica.it/economia/2017/07/24/news/telecom_cattaneo_lascia_con_25_milioni_di_buonuscita-171547384/
  78. https://www.huffingtonpost.it/economia/2017/07/24/news/buonuscita_da_30_milioni_flavio_cattaneo_nulla_di_scandaloso_ho_la_coscienza_a_posto_tim_il_60_dei_soci_ha_detto_si_-5585486/
  79. https://www.ft.com/content/6639dc72-703b-11e6-9ac1-1055824ca907
  80. https://www.mobileworldlive.com/europe/cattaneo-walks-away-from-telecom-italia-with-e25m/
  81. https://www.milanofinanza.it/news/enel-cattaneo-si-taglia-i-bonus-ecco-a-cosa-rinuncia-e-quanto-guadagna-202405211842084201
  82. https://www.lamescolanza.com/2024/05/25/enel-flavio-cattaneo-rinuncia-allindennita-nel-caso-di-mancato-rinnovo/
  83. https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/in-edicola/articoli/2015/04/01/flavio-cattaneo-mette-in-mobilita-248-lavoratori-benvenuto-con-sciopero/6705387/
  84. https://www.key4biz.it/telecom-italia-cattaneo-incontra-i-sindacati-e-spegne-lallarme-esuberi/158138/
  85. https://www.gruppotim.it/it/archivio-stampa/corporate/2016/TI-CEO-Cattaneo-meets-Trade-Unions-first-time.html
  86. https://it.finance.yahoo.com/notizie/telecom-italia-manifestazioni-di-lavoratori-contro-gestione-cattaneo-152848110--finance.html
  87. https://www.filctemcgil.it/index.php/notiziario/news/vertenza-enel-sciopero-spostato-all-8-marzo
  88. https://www.cataniatoday.it/cronaca/sciopero-enel-contro-riduzione-servizi.html
  89. https://www.corriere.it/economia/finanza/23_aprile_13/chi-flavio-cattaneo-manager-nominato-ad-enel-rai-nozze-sabrina-ferilli-2dc74ef0-d9ee-11ed-8793-d596ac419662.shtml
  90. https://www.topmanagers.it/manager/flavio_cattaneo
  91. https://ilmanifesto.it/archivio/2003048670
  92. https://www.repubblica.it/economia/2023/04/12/news/enel_flavio_cattaneo_manager_partiti-395920437/
  93. https://ilmanifesto.it/retromarcia-meloni-lenel-va-a-lega-e-fi-con-cattaneo-e-scaroni
  94. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHCk6cFIEQ4
  95. https://www.enel.com/investors/strategy/strategic-plan-2025-2027
  96. https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-common/press/en/2024-november/Enel%2520Strategic%2520Plan%25202025%25202027.pdf
  97. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-press-releases/press/2023/11/enel-group-2024-2026-strategy-optimized-capital-allocation-efficiency-and-effectiveness-financial-and-environmental-sustainability-to-maximize-cash-generation-and-profitability-for-sound-shareholder-returns
  98. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/enels-transformation-under-cattaneo-5-lessons-all-faulkner-matamoros-rlace
  99. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/new-enel-ceo-no-rush-disposals-after-better-than-expected-first-half-2023-07-26/
  100. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/ENEL-S-P-A-70935/news/Enel-Cattaneo-s-strategic-plan-and-vision-48400499/
  101. https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-com/documenti/investitori/informazioni-finanziarie/2024/investor-presentation_may2024.pdf
  102. https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-common/press/en/2025-july/Enel%2520results%25201H%25202025.pdf
  103. https://www.esquire.com/it/news/business/a23008522/flavio-cattaneo-biografia/
  104. https://dilei.it/vip/flavio-cattaneo-marito-sabrina-ferilli/539878/
  105. https://www.elle.com/it/showbiz/celebrities/a37958847/sabrina-ferilli-marito-flavio-cattaneo/
  106. https://www.ilmessaggero.it/en/sunday_s_domenica_in_on_rai_1_guests_sabrina_ferilli_s_career_and_personal_life-7943022.html
  107. https://www.facebook.com/Bigodino.it/posts/flavio-%25C3%25A8-una-persona-intelligentissima-e-di-cuore-abbiamo-850-interessi-che-ci-l/1272216854939349/
  108. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-press-releases/press/2025/07/enel-foundation-reshapes-itself-through-the-creation-of-the-global-hub-for-research-and-training-in-the-energy-sector
  109. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-news/news/2025/07/foundation-new-projects-vision-transition
  110. https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2020/03/18/coronavirus-scatta-solidarieta-per-litalia-pioggia-di-donazioni-dal-papa-allnba_9ebbf130-cd45-4409-b098-8e16f3e3f4f8.html
  111. https://www.abenergie.it/archivio/doc/2020-04-capital.pdf
  112. https://www.enelfoundation.org/about-us/governance/flavio-cattaneo
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.