Celebrating Veneto’s Visionary Business Leaders

A Landmark Anniversary for Museo Nicolis

The Museo Nicolis marked its twenty-fifth anniversary with a celebration dedicated to the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped the Veneto region and influenced the entire country. Since 2000, the museum has been a symbol of Italian industrial culture. Its founders, Silvia and Luciano Nicolis, envisioned a space that would honor both the legacy and the future of Italian enterprise. As a result, the annual Premio Museo Nicolis became a tradition that highlights leaders who bring innovation, resilience, and ethical values to their companies.

This year’s event focused on the theme “Roots and Future: Business as Legacy and Innovation.” The question guiding the celebration was simple yet powerful: does the Veneto region still hold the drive that once turned the North-East into a national powerhouse? The museum’s answer was clear and confident. The many voices, companies, and guests present reaffirmed that this spirit is not only alive but also evolving toward new horizons.

Honoring Pilade Riello and His Vision

The Premio Museo Nicolis was awarded to Cavaliere del Lavoro Pilade Riello, President of Riello Industries. His leadership reflects a remarkable blend of strategic vision, respect for heritage, and firm belief in research and technology. Under his direction, Riello Industries expanded into a strong family-owned group active in several sectors, becoming one of the top global producers of uninterruptible power supply systems. His work shows how continuity across generations can coexist with innovation and a global perspective.

The recognition also highlights the human values that shaped his entrepreneurial path. His approach, rooted in responsibility and long-term thinking, offers a compelling model for the next generation of Italian leaders.

EcorNaturaSì Wins the “Business Challenges” Award

The event also celebrated EcorNaturaSì, which received the “Business Challenges” Award. President Fabio Brescacin accepted the honor on behalf of the company. The award recognized the ability to turn an ethical and sustainable vision into a mature and competitive business model. With a turnover of 413.6 million euros in 2024, a network of 330 NaturaSì stores, more than 300 partner farms, and over 1,200 employees, EcorNaturaSì shows how economic development can grow alongside quality, responsibility, and respect for the environment.

The company’s structure, based on responsible ownership, aims to safeguard identity and mission over time. In doing so, it offers a rare example of stability in a fast-changing landscape.

A Dialogue on Legacy and Innovation

The core of the celebration was a talk curated by journalist Mario Puliero. The session brought together influential voices such as designer and entrepreneur Fabrizio Giugiaro, Fondazione Cariverona President Bruno Giordano, and Antonio Calabrò, Senior Vice President Culture at Pirelli and President of Museimpresa. Joining them was Silvia Nicolis, President of the Museo Nicolis.

The discussion explored the value of business culture and the challenges of generational continuity. These themes remain essential for Italian companies today. Nicolis emphasized how both the museum and the Lamacart Group demonstrate the strength of family tradition and real circular economy practices. Their story shows how heritage can fuel innovation and support the creation of stable, responsible enterprises.

A highlight of the event was the presence of Fabrizio Giugiaro, whose work on iconic models such as the DeLorean DMC-12 shaped global automotive design. The car was displayed for the occasion, offering a symbolic reminder of the power of creativity and technology when combined with a strong identity.

A Gathering of Distinguished Guests

The ceremony attracted hundreds of attendees, including entrepreneurs, institutional figures, cultural leaders, and well-known personalities from the automotive and motorsport world. Among them were rally legend Miki Biasion, racing drivers Ivan Capelli and Umberto Scandola, Honda LCR Team Principal Lucio Cecchinello, Michelotto Engineering founder Giuliano Michelotto, former Bugatti and Lotus owner Romano Artioli, and Maria Paola Stola Ariusso of Studio Torino. Their presence strengthened the event’s role as a meeting point for talent, innovation, and Italian craftsmanship.

The gathering confirmed the museum’s place as a strategic hub for dialogue and collaboration. Its influence extends far beyond the Veneto region, reaching national and international spheres of culture and industry.

A Message for the Future

At the close of the event, Silvia Nicolis shared a message that reflected the spirit of the celebration. She noted that strong roots and continuous innovation form the foundation of Italy’s competitive strength. When companies embrace their identity and values, they create genuine innovation capable of inspiring younger generations. This vision aligns perfectly with the mission of the Museo Nicolis: to preserve industrial heritage while turning it into a meaningful guide for the future.

PRESS RELEASE