EDGE 2025 - Franco Gussalli Beretta: The 500-Year-Old Company and the Art of Family Leadership
3m 16s
Learn the secrets behind how Europe's oldest manufacturer has kept leadership within the family for centuries, and how they are approaching the unique challenge of having too few - as opposed to too many - members of the next generation to pass the company to.
Key Takeaways:
- Beretta’s Historic Legacy: Beretta is a 500-year-old family business that has been passed down through 15 generations. The current CEO, Franco Beretta, represents the 15th generation.
- Diversification as a Tool for Growth: The company has diversified beyond its core firearms business, adding clothing, accessories, optics, and ammunition under the Beretta Holding company.
- Generational Caretakers: The Beretta family has maintained private ownership of the company, with no IPO or outside shareholders, as they see their role as caretakers for the next generation.
- Managing Controversy: Navigating the controversy around firearms manufacturing is challenging, but the company approaches it by understanding cultural differences in different markets and strictly following local regulations.