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Umberto Paolucci has been corporate vice president of Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (Microsoft EMEA) since 1998, and became senior chairman for Microsoft EMEA in March 2003.
He was born in Ravenna, Italy, and graduated from the University of Bologna with a degree in electrical engineering in 1969. Since serving as a professor at technical high schools in 1969 and 1970, and joining the Italian army as lieutenant in the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical defense) Corps in 1970 and 1971, Paolucci has spent his professional life in the world of information technology, first with Hewlett-Packard Co. and then with General Automation Inc. in Anaheim, Calif., where he became general manager. In 1985 he established Microsoft’s Italian subsidiary, and in his current role he retains his responsibilities as president of the company’s operations in Italy.
Rotarian and president of the Milan South East Club in 1997 and 1998, Paolucci was awarded a degree honoris causa in 1998 by the University of Bologna in business statistics and information technology. In 2002, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, president of the Italian Republic, named Paolucci Cavaliere del Lavoro, an annual honor since 1901 conferred to 25 citizens who distinguish themselves in business and social responsibility. In 2003 Paolucci received the Gold Keys to his home town, Cattolica.
In May 2004 he became vice president for innovation at Confcommercio, the Italian confederation of trade, tourism, services, and medium-sized and small businesses. In November 2004 Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Milan, awarded Paolucci a doctorate honoris causa with the Biblioteca Ambrosiana on the 400th anniversary of its foundation.
Paolucci serves on the boards of several companies, associations and foundations in Italy and Europe. | 