'I was deeply saddened to hear the news,' said Micky Arison, chairman of Carnival Corp. & plc. 'Corrado was not just a business colleague but a close personal friend. He will be sorely missed.'
Fincantieri CEO Giuseppe Bono broke the sad news during festivities for Virgin Voyages at Sestri Ponente shipyard on Friday.
'Wealth of wisdom, moral rigor and honesty'
'He leaves us a wealth of wisdom, moral rigor and honesty,' a visibly moved Bono said. 'We will follow his example. This company does things right, and our reputation is known throughout the world.'
'He was the epitome of a naval architect, businessman and an erudite, warm friend,' said cruise ship architect Joe Farcus, whose many designs were brought to life at Fincantieri yards. 'We will miss his classy and intelligent presence,' Farcus continued. 'The shipbuilding world is now missing a strong keel and rudder.'
An elegant man with movie-star looks and diplomat manners, Antonini was a strong leader who held many roles at Fincantieri, ultimately executive chairman, and who chaired numerous industry groups.
During his decades at Fincantieri, cruise ship orders blossomed, with series contracts and next-generation designs for major companies like Carnival Corp. & plc, still its main customer. The world's leading cruise shipbuilder, Fincantieri has produced 85 cruise ships since 1990, while 47 more are currently being designed or built in the group’s yards.
Joined Fincantieri in 1984
Antonini began his career in the steel sector before moving into shipbuilding, becoming Fincantieri's general manager and joining the board in 1984. He became managing director in 1985 and CEO three years later. In 1994 he added the chairman's title, then became executive chairman from 2000 until his retirement in December 2012.
Antonini also chaired Euroyards, a European Economic Interest Grouping of seven major European yards. He was honorary chairman and member of the board of SEA Europe (Ships & Maritime Equipment Associations of Europe), and he chaired Assonave, the Italian Association of Shipbuilders and Related Industries. He chaired numerous other prominent groups related to maritime, aerospace and defense industries.
Born in Rome, Antonini graduated with honors in law. He became an honorary naval architect and honorary master in business administration.
Numerous honors and decorations
Antonini was endowed with the highest Italian decoration for economic merits, Cavaliere del Lavoro, and received other decorations in Italy and Finland, as well as the Columbus Gold Medal of Genoa and the Freedom of the City of Trieste.
He is survived by wife Gunilla and their daughters Carola and Camilla.
With reporting from Luca Peruzzi in Italy
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