Augusto Reina, the former CEO of of Italian drinks company, Illva Saronno Holding, has passed away following a period of bad health, prompting the company to close all of its manufacturing plants and offices tomorrow (Friday 21 February) in mourning. 

 

Born in Saronno, in the Italian province of Varese on 11 June, 1940, Augusto Reina was said to be ‘a great innovator’ who, with passion, ‘transformed a family-run Italian company into an international business’.

 

“A man of versatile interests and tastes, in addition to loving his work, he had a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for classical music, contemporary art, gliding and amateur soccer,” said the company.

 

The Reina family and the management team said they will carry forward the passion for this work, the innovative spirit, the sense of courage and optimism in face of the future which set Augusto Reina ‘in a class all of his own’.

 

‘IN A CLASS ALL OF HIS OWN’

“We are proud of our past yet we are equally aware we must look ahead, for our tomorrow entails both great opportunities and great responsibilities,” words of Augusto Reina that will be remembered fondly by the Reina family.

 

“These words capture the heart and soul of an outstanding industrialist and of a man in love with his work,” said the company in a statement.

 

“But they also capture the company spirit with which the Reina family had, ever since August, entrusted the running of the various Illva Saronno holding entities to the executive management team.”

 

Best-known for its liqueur brand Disaronno, Illva Saronno products are distributed in over 160 countries. Other brands include Tia Maria, Rabarbaro Zucca, Artic Vodka, Isolabella Sambuca and Aurum.

 

Illva Saronno Holding also produces and sells wines from Duca di Salaparuta, Corvo and Florio.