Five new Knights of Labor in Lombardy, who are the ones appointed by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella

Milan, May 30, 2025 – Five new Knights of Labor in Lombardy. These are entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves for their contribution to the economic, social and civil development of the country.

The honor is awarded every year by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella – on the proposal of the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, in agreement with the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida – on the occasion of the Republic Day. The Head of State signed today the 25 decrees, five of which concern people who have businesses in Lombardy.

The new five Knights of Labor

Only one woman, Marina Nissim, executive chairman of the family business founded by her father, Bolton , known worldwide for its consumer brands. Her experience reflects a path of continuity and renewal in a highly competitive sector.

With her, they were awarded the Order of Merit for Labor by the President of the Republic Rinaldo Ballerio di Varese, founder and president of Elmec , a pioneer in information technology. Elmec is a company that has contributed significantly to regional technological development, encouraging the adoption of advanced solutions in Lombardy companies.

Alfonso Dolce, born in the province of Palermo but Milanese by adoption, where he moved in 1987 to follow the development of the newborn Dolce&Gabbana of which he is now president. His appointment underlines the link between Milan and success in the high fashion sector.

Francesco Milleri is also an oriundo who arrives in the Lombard capital for a master's degree at Bocconi and today as president of EssilorLuxottica. His career demonstrates how training and experience in the Lombard capital can open international horizons in the industrial and commercial field.

Alberto Dossi, born in 1952 in Monza, joined Sapio, the family business that produces technical and medicinal gases, immediately after graduation and became its president.

“Entrepreneurial ability”

"We welcome with deep satisfaction and sincere joy the new appointments to the Cavalieri del Lavoro 2025 announced by the Quirinale. The five Lombard profiles selected, whom we welcome to the group, represent with honor the entrepreneurial capacity that distinguishes our productive fabric. We hope that in the future there will be room for an even greater number of appointments for Lombardy to confirm the extraordinary vitality and essential contribution that our Region continues to offer", commented Laura Colnaghi Calissoni, president of the Lombardy Group of the Cavalieri del Lavoro.

The honorificence

The awarding of the honor takes on a significant symbolic value at a time when economic and social challenges require concrete leadership and a solid vision. These entrepreneurs represent figures capable of mediating between tradition and innovation, preserving the human capital and industrial competitiveness of Lombardy.

The recognition of Cavaliere del Lavoro goes beyond simple industrial or commercial merit. It indicates the ability to contribute to social and civil improvement, also through economic activities. The new recipients are examples of how business can be a driver of growth not only economic but also community, through the generation of jobs, support for social initiatives and attention to the territory.