“I grew up with the Salone del Mobile. As I child I went there with my grandfather Carlo, in the pavilions of the previous location, after which I experienced the move to the new spaces in Rho, and took part with enthusiasm in the Salone at Shanghai.” These are the words of Maria Porro, in her first statement as the new president of the most important design event on an international level, revolutionized this year in its format, but not in its spirit.
37 years old, director of marketing and communication for Porro S.p.A (the family business), since 2019 she has been a member of the board of directors of Fondazione Altagamma, and she has already served a term on the board of Assarredo. An outstanding resumé, for which she was unanimously elected for the new position.
“It is an honor to play this role in a crucial moment of transformation, and I thank those who have supported me, in the hope of being able to meet the needs of an event that has a history of remarkable success.” Sustainability, digitalization, research, innovation, creativity and inclusion, as well as maximum quality, are the challenges she now faces, together with the Salone board of directors.
“The choice of wagering on a young, motivated president is the result of a strategy that aims to consolidate the guiding role on an international level of the fair, in a period of sweeping changes – says Gianfranco Marinelli, president of Federlegno Arredo Eventi. “Maria Porro will be able to count on the support of the entire board of Federlegno Arredo Eventi, to move forward with determination along a path of renewal and growth for Salone del Mobile.Milano.”
