Gianmario Roveraro
Gianmario Roveraro | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Italy |
| Died | July 21, 2006 (aged 70) |
| Occupation(s) | Athlete, financier |
| Known for | First Italian to clear 2.00 meters in high jump; founder of Akros Finanziaria |
Gianmario Roveraro (24 May 1936 – 5 July 2006) was an Italian athlete specializing in the high jump, recognized as the first Italian to surpass the 2-meter mark, and a financier who established the investment company Akros Finanziaria.
Biography
During his youth, Roveraro distinguished himself in athletics by securing the national high jump title three consecutive times (1954–1956) and setting several national records, including becoming the pioneer Italian to clear 2.00 meters. He took part in the 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, where he placed 23rd.
Banking
Following his graduation in economics, Roveraro embarked on a banking profession beginning in 1961. By 1966, he had joined Sige within the IMI group, where he introduced Italy’s earliest financial products such as investment funds.
He held the presidency of Fondazione Rui for numerous years, managing university residences connected with the Opera.
In 1987, after disputes at Sige, he launched Akros, which developed into one of Italy’s leading merchant banks. During this era, he worked alongside Cirio’s Sergio Cragnotti and was instrumental in Parmalat’s initial public offering under Calisto Tanzi.
Roveraro was later interrogated during probes into Parmalat’s financial downfall and bankruptcy fraud in 2003, a scandal involving debts exceeding €14 billion—the largest corporate collapse in Europe.
Disappearance
On 5 July 2006, after attending a prayer meeting organized by Opus Dei, Roveraro vanished. Although initially no ransom demands were made, it was presumed he had been abducted. He managed to contact his family twice: first to notify his wife about an issue in Austria and subsequently to request €1 million. His disappearance occurred amid investigations tied to Parmalat’s collapse.
His badly beaten body was found near Parma on 21 July 2006. Authorities believe the homicide was connected to a commercial transaction; three individuals were detained in connection with the case.
National titles
- Italian Athletics Championships
- High jump: 1954, 1955, 1956 (3)