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Antonio Percassi’s remarkable career as both a footballer and entrepreneur showcases his dedication, perseverance, and vision, making him a prominent figure in the Italian business and sports sectors.
Antonio Percassi’s Biography
Antonio Percassi, born on June 9, 1953, is an Italian former footballer and entrepreneur.
He is most known as the president of the Odissea Srl holding business, which includes several successful cosmetics brands such as KIKO Milano, Madina, and Womo. Percassi also owns the well-known football team Atalanta B.C.
Percassi began his football career with Atalanta when he was seventeen years old. However, at the age of 23, he decided to leave sports to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
Percassi made a remarkable return to Atalanta in June 2010, this time as the club’s president. He previously served in this capacity from 1990 to 1994, proving his steadfast dedication to the club.
His entry into business began with a relationship with the Benetton family, which marked the beginning of Percassi’s retail activities.
Over the years, he has led the domestic and worldwide development of several notable brands, including United Colours, Zerdodici, Sisley, and Playlife.
Percassi’s partnership with Benetton was essential in his career, allowing him to broaden his reach and impact.
He also collaborated with well-known brands such as Swatch, Nike, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. He has dabbled in luxury goods such as Gucci, Ferrari, and Ralph Lauren.
Percassi purchased Madina, a popular beauty company launched in 1993 by Intercos, in 2012. That same year, he launched Womo, a men’s body care company.
However, one of his most notable triumphs in the cosmetics industry was the establishment of Kiko Make Up Milano in 1997, with the help of his son Stefano. Kiko immediately established a high reputation and expanded rapidly internationally.
Percassi collaborated with the renowned Inditex Group to bring the Zara brand to the Italian market in 2001. The first Zara megastore debuted in Milan’s Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and it was quickly followed by a slew of others.
Percassi’s business expertise expanded beyond retail expansion to include real estate. Notable projects include Bergamo’s Orio Centre Shopping Centre, Antegnate Shopping Centre, and Sicily Outlet Village in Agira.
Furthermore, Percassi worked with the Westfield organisation to build the Westfield Milan Shopping Centre, which is billed as Europe’s largest shopping centre. He also launched a commercial and residential venture in Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
Antonio Percassi received an Honorary Degree in Construction Engineering from the University of Bergamo in September 2009 in recognition of his achievements.
Percassi purchased Crespi d’Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in October 2013. He intended to turn this historic town into the Percassi Business Group and the Antonio Percassi Family Foundation’s headquarters.
Percassi has six children, five of whom are actively involved in the operations of several Percassi businesses.
His son Stefano is the CEO of KIKO and Billionaire Italian Couture, while his sons Matteo and Luca are in charge of major real estate development projects.
Luca is also the CEO of Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio. Giuliana and Federica Percassi, Percassi’s daughters, are also active in Percassi’s retail ventures. Michael, his youngest son, was born in January 2013.
In February 2013, Stefano and Luca were both appointed Vice Presidents of the Odissea Srl holding group.
Antonio Percassi was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
Who Is Antonio Percassi’s First Wife?
Antonio Percassi is happily married to his wife, known as Camela Percassi.
