Siro Lombardini
Siro Lombardini | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1924 Milan, Italy |
| Died | 2013 Chieri, Italy |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, politician |
| Years active | 1947–1995 |
| Known for | Minister of State Holdings (1979–1980), president of Banca Popolare di Novara, expert in monopoly theory |
Siro Lombardini (1924–2013) was a distinguished Italian economist and political figure, who held the position of Minister of State Holdings from 5 August 1979 until 4 April 1980 during the initial cabinet led by Francesco Cossiga. He also served as president of Banca Popolare di Novara and was recognized as an expert in monopoly theory. Among his notable protégés was Romano Prodi.
Early life and education
Lombardini was born in Milan in 1924. He obtained his degree in economics and commerce from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in 1946. His academic pursuits continued at the London School of Economics in 1949, followed by completion of his studies at the University of Chicago in 1951.
Career
Starting his professional journey as a research assistant in 1947, Lombardini subsequently taught political economy at Università Cattolica after earning his doctorate. Between 1954 and 1958, he held a lecturer position at the Faculty of Law at the University of Modena. In 1956, he was appointed chair of political economy at the University of Bari, becoming a full professor by the following year. He later occupied academic roles at the University of Milan and, beginning in 1963, served as chair of economic policy at the University of Turin. In 1983, he returned to Università Cattolica to chair political economy before resuming his teaching duties at Turin in 1987.
From 1958 through 1968, Lombardini directed the Economic and Social Research Institute located in Turin. A member of the Christian Democrats, he was elected senator during Italy’s seventh legislature (1976–79). His appointment as Minister of State Holdings came in 1979; however, his term concluded in 1980 amid allegations connected to the Eni bribery scandal. Following his political career, he assumed the presidency of Banca Popolare di Novara in 1995 and played a key role in its merger with Banca Popolare di Verona, resulting in the creation of Banco Popolare.
Personal life and death
In recognition of his contributions to economics, Lombardini was honored with the Invernizzi Award in 1995. He passed away at age 89 in October 2013 in Chieri.