In November Mr Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Italian Republic, conferred the honour of Cavaliere dell’ Ordine al Merito del lavoro on Mr Luigi Macaluso, Chairman of the Sowind Group – the company that owns Girard Perregaux watches.
This distinguished award was made in recognition of an entire life dedicated to the promotion of the ‘Haute Horlogerie‘ and the development of the watch industry in Italy. Under Mr Macaluso’s chairmanship, Girard-Perregaux and the Sowind Group have enjoyed significant progress of innovation, research and design of high-end watches, at the same time ensuring the respect of the watch making heritage.
The Ordine al Merito del Lavoro medal is awarded to those “who have been singularly meritorious” in commerce and industry. It was first instituted by Italian Royal Decree on 9 May 1901.
Dr Luigi Macaluso is now a member of the prestigious Italian Federation. The title is awarded to only 25 people a year, only one of whom can be an entrepreneur living and working in a foreign country, who have made notable contributions to the reputation and prestige of Italy throughout the world.
Luigi Macaluso said “I am very honoured to become a member of the order of merit. This reinforces the strong links I have with my country”.
