Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone is an Italian businessman, the billionaire controlling shareholder of Caltagirone S.p.A. (construction, real estate, and cement) and Caltagirone Editore S.p.A. (publishing/media). Born in Rome in 1943, his family was composed almost entirely of manufacturers, with his grandfather constructing the first buildings in Palermo in the late 1800s.

Caltagirone began working in the family construction business while studying at the Faculty of Engineering in Rome. His career is defined by his aggressive consolidation of the Italian construction, cement, and media sectors, leveraging his political connections and immense capital for massive, diversified acquisitions.

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone and his brothers resumed the family business after their father's early death, starting the company that became the Caltagirone Group. He became a partner and, by the mid-nineties, assumed full control of the holding company, controlling approximately 51 percent of Caltagirone S.p.A.

His strategic vision focused on: Construction/Infrastructure (acquiring Vianini Lavori S.p.A., operating worldwide in large infrastructure projects); Cement (acquiring Cementir S.p.A., transforming it into a global multinational); and Media (acquiring major newspapers like Il Messaggero in 1996 and Il Mattino). The Group has constructed approximately 200 real estate complexes (valued at €15 billion). Caltagirone is a prominent figure in Italian finance, holding major participations in companies like Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. (insurance) and Unicredit S.p.A. (banking).

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone's social impact is massive and structural, stemming from the Caltagirone Group's role in building essential housing and public works (infrastructure) across Italy and globally. His media holdings significantly influence Italian journalism and public discourse.

His structural contribution is tied to the successful consolidation and modernization of the Italian construction, cement, and media industries. He was appointed a Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour (Italy) in 2006, recognizing his industrial contributions.

Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone maintains the distinguished, powerful style of an Italian industrial and media patriarch. His attire is consistently bespoke, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic is one of serious authority, befitting a multi-billion euro executive commanding a major national conglomerate.

Residing in Rome, Italy, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to his commitment to industrial consolidation, construction, and media influence in Italy and globally.