At the 50th anniversary gala of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in Washington, John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, Ferrari, and Exor, received the Special Achievement Award as Global Business Leader. The recognition honored his role in fostering industrial and cultural ties between Italy and the United States.
In his speech, Elkann described the award as “a celebration of the bond, de l’unione, between our two nations that define who I am and who we are.” Born in New York to a family with deep Italian roots, he reflected on how his personal and professional life has been shaped by what he called “the dialogue between these two great countries.”
Elkann recalled his grandfather, Gianni Agnelli, who received the same award from NIAF in 1986. “L’amore per l’America was also deeply felt by my grandfather,” he said, noting that the connection between the two countries remains strong within his family. “My father was born here, and my eldest son is studying in America,” he added.
Addressing the broader relationship between Italy and the United States, Elkann rejected the idea that the transatlantic bond is weakening. “I believe it’s never been stronger,” he said, citing a recent meeting with Pope Leo — described as “the first American pope” — and the symbolic use of a Fiat vehicle during the Pope’s visit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Elkann highlighted recent achievements of the companies he leads, emphasizing how collaboration between Italian and American talent has built “global players” such as CNH and Stellantis. “Stellantis has just announced its largest investment ever here in the United States,” he said, calling it an example of “new opportunities for growth and innovation.” He also mentioned Ferrari’s participation in the Grand Prix in Austin that same weekend, saying fans “in Italy, America, and around the world” share the same passion for the brand.
The chairman closed by thanking the Italian Ambassador to the U.S., Marco Peronaci, for hosting him and for displaying CNH, Maserati, and Ferrari vehicles at the Italian Embassy the previous day. He expressed gratitude to the NIAF leadership — Chairman John Calvelli and CEO Robert Allegrini — and to his teams across CNH, Exor, Ferrari, Lingotto, Stellantis, and Vento. “Italy gave me my roots,” he concluded. “America gave me my wings.”
