Born in Bologna in 1951, he has always lived in Ravenna. He graduated in Law in Florence, and is the President of La Cassa di Ravenna S.p.A., a private and independent bank, and has overseen the bank’s strong growth.

 In 2009 he was awarded the Cavaliere del Lavoro accolade. He is also the President of the Italian Banking Association.

He is the owner of a family farming estate, he is a journalist and leader writer for Il Resto del Carlino, La Nazione and Il Giorno newspapers.

He served as a Member of Parliament for two terms and was Undersecretary for Defence under Prime Minister Ciampi (1993-1994).