Alberto Bombassei was born in Vicenza, Italy, in 1940, and is the key figure in the transformation of Brembo, the global leader in high-performance braking systems. His roots are deeply embedded in Italian post-war industry; his father, Emilio Bombassei, co-founded the small machine shop in Bergamo in 1961 with his uncle, Italo Breda.

Bombassei quickly joined the newly established company in 1961 as the sales manager, foregoing further formal education to dive straight into the entrepreneurial opportunity of Italy’s 'economic miracle' era. His education in the business was relentlessly practical, focusing on sales, quality control, and industrial ingenuity. This commitment to the factory floor and the product itself, rather than the boardroom alone, defined his approach to leadership. Later in his career, he received honorary degrees in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's in Sports Business Strategies, acknowledging his decades of practical expertise.

Alberto Bombassei’s career is a study in precision manufacturing and strategic branding. The pivotal moment came in 1964 when an overturned truck carrying imported British brake discs for Alfa Romeo led to Brembo being hired for repairs. Bombassei and his team quickly realized they could manufacture a superior product themselves at a better price. This led to Brembo securing its first supply contract with Alfa Romeo.

The moment that catapulted Brembo onto the global stage was in 1975 when the great magnate Enzo Ferrari personally asked Brembo to supply the braking systems for his Formula 1 race cars. Bombassei, who set up the original meeting with Ferrari, guided this relationship, which instantly validated Brembo as a 'world-class supplier' of high-performance components. He rose from General Manager in 1976 to Managing Director in 1984, and finally to Chairman from 1993 to 2021. He oversaw the company’s listing on the Milan Stock Exchange in 1995 and its transformation into a global leader with over 11,000 employees.

Alberto Bombassei views innovation as his 'religion' and his primary social impact has been to ensure that Italy remains a global leader in industrial excellence, creating high-skill jobs and investing in technological development.

• Kilometro Rosso Scientific Park: His most notable contribution to science and community is the founding of this technological park, which acts as a hub for interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship near Bergamo.
• Health and Research: He serves as President of the FROM - Bergamo Hospital Research Foundation, supporting local medical and scientific progress.
• Industrial Relations: His work extended into national civic life, serving as Vice President of the influential Italian Manufacturers' Association, Confindustria, focusing on industrial relations and social affairs, where he championed workforce development.

By constantly investing in R&D and expanding production globally, his companies provide stable, high-value employment for thousands, both in Italy and in emerging markets.