1962day.year
Enrico Mattei
(1906 - 1962)
Italian businessman and politician
Italian businessman and politician
Italian industrialist and government official who transformed Italy's post-war energy sector as the founder of ENI.
Enrico Mattei was born in Acqualagna, Italy, in 1906 and earned a law degree before entering public service. After World War II, he took charge of the state oil company AGIP and later founded the National Hydrocarbons Authority (ENI) in 1953. Under his leadership, ENI negotiated groundbreaking agreements with oil-producing nations, challenging the dominance of the 'Seven Sisters'. Mattei's vision secured energy independence for Italy and spurred economic growth through investments in refineries and research. He also served as a member of parliament, influencing national economic policy and advocating for social development. Mattei died in a mysterious plane crash in 1962, an event surrounded by conspiracy theories. He is remembered as a visionary entrepreneur and statesman who reshaped Italy's economy.
Enrico Mattei