Curated by Federico Calabrese
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Urbano Cairo, a Visionary Man
Players, executives, professionals. The world of football is increasingly becoming a world of its own—a landscape where various professions coexist, an environment where stories and bonds intertwine, often destined to last over time. Football clubs are no longer just teams; they are true businesses, organizations that must be built on solid foundations to remain competitive in an ever more aggressive environment. Presidents, owners, individuals who strive every day to shape their creations according to their human and professional values. Urbano Cairo, president of Torino FC, knows this well.
Who Is Urbano Cairo
Urbano Cairo was born in Milan on May 21, 1957. After a brief football career with Pro Sesto, he changed direction. The first step of his successful professional journey came in 1982, when, thanks to his perseverance and determination, he secured an interview with Silvio Berlusconi, who hired him at Fininvest—first as a personal assistant, and later in other roles.
1995: Cairo Pubblicità S.r.l.
Another key moment came in 1995 when, through a holding company he controlled, Cairo established Cairo Pubblicità S.r.l. The company officially launched the following year and began acquiring exclusive advertising sales rights for Italy’s most important periodicals from the RCS Group. Cairo’s professional evolution gained momentum in the early 2000s, when—through a clear and effective strategy—he listed his company on the stock exchange. Three years later, Urbano Cairo founded his own publishing house, Cairo Editore S.p.A.
2005: Acquisition of Torino Calcio
Cairo’s rise in the Italian economic and industrial scene became even more evident in 2005, when he acquired Torino Calcio from the so-called “lodisti” for around ten thousand euros after the club had recently gone bankrupt. Under Cairo’s leadership, the “Granata” raised their level both on the pitch and behind the scenes, hiring coaches and sporting directors who would go on to make major strides in their careers.
One of the highest points of Cairo’s management came with Torino’s qualification for the UEFA Europa League in the 2013–2014 season. The following year, the team reached the Round of 16 in the same competition. Torino would qualify for the Europa League again in 2018–2019, and from that season onward—despite some ups and downs—the club maintained a steady position, never truly struggling.
Cairo’s management has also been fruitful from a financial standpoint, in line with his goal of strengthening the club. Significant investments were made, with Torino operating like a mid-to-upper-table club. For example, Simone Verdi was purchased for €22 million, Ilic for €16.5 million, and Simone Zaza for around €12 million.
Big investments, yes—but also the ability to develop talent and pull off masterstrokes in the transfer market. Gleison Bremer was sold to Juventus for around €47 million, Alessandro Buongiorno to Napoli for €35 million. Maksimovic was sold for €26 million, followed by Zappacosta and Bellanova at €25 million, and Immobile at €18.5 million. This financial return over the last decade has helped make Torino a stable, forward-thinking club, focused on both on-field success and overall financial health. This growth also extends to Torino’s youth sector, which has nurtured young talent with care. The recent outstanding achievements of the Under-17 and Under-18 teams only reinforce this.
2013–2016: From La7 to RCS
Cairo’s professional rise didn’t stop with Torino. On March 6, 2013, his group officially acquired La7, and two years later, launched the Cairo Due mux—one of Italy’s nationwide digital terrestrial multiplexes, part of the DVB-T system, covering 94% of the Italian population.
In that same year, Cairo acquired a 2.8% stake in RCS. Three years later—after launching a public takeover bid for RCS MediaGroup—he reached a 59.69% stake, effectively becoming the majority shareholder and assuming the role of president and CEO of the company.
Urbano Cairo: a Visionary Italian Entrepreneur
Urbano Cairo is undoubtedly one of the most influential entrepreneurs in modern Italian history. His professional vision—carried out through his companies and innovative ideas during pivotal moments—has led to a broader transformation. Torino is just one branch of his remarkable story, a story made of sacrifice, vision, and perseverance. Despite the natural highs and lows of a long career, Cairo has proven to be one of the most impactful business leaders of his generation.
Curated by Federico Calabrese
