Emanuele 'Lino' Saputo, CM, OQ, is a Canadian businessman and the patriarch of the family that founded Saputo Inc. (TSX: SAP), one of the largest dairy processors in Canada and a leading global cheese producer. Born in Montelepre, Sicily, Italy, in 1937, his father was a master cheesemaker. The family emigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1952 after World War II, facing the common struggles of new immigrants.

Lino's entrepreneurial drive was immediate: in 1954, he convinced his father, Giuseppe Saputo, to start their own cheese-making business in a rented room with only $500 in savings and a delivery bike. The business quickly benefited from the demand for products of home among fellow Italian immigrants and the increasing popularity of pizza in the 1960s, which required massive amounts of mozzarella.

Lino Saputo took over the family firm from his father in 1969 and began a strategy of aggressive acquisition and vertical integration. He transformed Saputo Inc. from a local Canadian cheesemaker into one of the largest cheese producers in North America and a major global dairy processor, with nearly 50 plants across Europe and the Americas.

The company remained entirely family held until its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 1997. The sale contributed massively to the family's wealth, although they retained control of much of the company stock. Saputo stepped down as CEO in 2004, handing management to his son, Lino Saputo Jr., but remained Chairman of the Board. He also heads Jolina Capital Inc., the family's private investment portfolio (food, transportation, real estate). His commitment to excellence and innovation earned him the Order of Canada and the Ordre national du Québec.

Lino Saputo's social impact is structural, stemming from Saputo Inc.'s role as a massive global employer and a foundational provider of essential dairy and food products. The company provides thousands of stable jobs in the agri-food sector globally. His structural contribution is the successful industrialization of Canadian dairy.

His personal philanthropy is profound: the Fondation Mirella and Lino Saputo supports sick and disabled children. The family's contribution to soccer in Quebec (funding the soccer stadium) is a major civic and cultural asset to Montreal.

Lino Saputo maintains the distinguished, powerful style of a successful Canadian industrial patriarch. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic is one of stability and confident authority, befitting a multi-billionaire commanding a global dairy empire.

Residing in Montreal, Quebec, his luxury is the immense security and autonomy derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is defined by his commitment to his family's legacy, his passion for cheesemaking, and his extensive philanthropy (including his love for vintage Cadillacs).