Background:

Marco De Benedetti's career at Carlyle represents now more than a third of the group's European portfolio, he has made a strong mark in the company's consumer and retail business. Traditionally, Carlyle was focused on industrial assets, but Mr. De Benedetti was able to ensure this shift and has expanded the scope of retail by following through some successful transactions. These include raising €3.75 billion for Carlyle Europe partners IV in 2015, and investing more than 80 percent of that pool. He carried out deals with Golden Goose, Hunkemoller, and many more. He is currently overseeing the expansion of shops and online sales at both businesses. 

Other significant deals that De Benedetti has carried out include Carlyle’s sale of Holland and Barrett, to a Russian billionaire, for £1.8 billion. During the ownership of the company, Mr. De Benedetti has expanded internationally, adding more stores in India, China and Sweden. He has also brought in new brands, such as Doctor Organic. 

Prior to his career at Carlyle, Marco was involved in the telecoms industry, where he was the Chief Executive of Telecom Italia Mobile from 1999 until its merger with Telecom Italia in 2004. After this merger, he became co-chief executive of the enlarged group. In 2005, he left the company and joined Carlyle. 

He is currently chairman of the board of general partners of Carlo De Benedetti & Figli, he also sits on the boards of COFIDE – Gruppo De Benedetti SpA, CIR SpA, Moncler SpA, NBTY Inc., CommScope Holding Company, Twin-Set Simona Barbieri SpA, Marelli Motori SpA and Sematic SpA (of the latter three companies he is also chairman of the board of directors).