Gianpietro Benedetti, Chairman of Danieli Group, shares insights with “Metal Market Magazine”

During a 2021 interview, Gianpietro Benedetti, Chairman of Danieli Group, foresaw the challenges that unfolded in the steelmaking market during 2022-2023. His insightful predictions were not limited to market shifts, as he also delved into the nuances of technologies employed in green steel production. In discussing the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, he demonstrated a deep awareness of the evolving landscape of sustainable steel production.

Danieli Group anticipates shifts in the steelmaking market

In an insightful dialogue with “Metal Market Magazine” in early December 2021, Danieli Group’s Chairman Gianpietro Benedetti not only anticipated the subsequent market downturn in 2022-2023 but also delved into pivotal topics like steelmaking trends, green steel production, and the technological landscape driving these shifts. At that juncture, the steel industry experienced profitability owing to soaring steel prices and demand. Despite this, Gianpietro Benedetti foresaw a downturn between 2022 and 2023. While the market did shift, the trends in steelmaking, particularly in the realm of green steel, continued their upward trajectory. The imperative to curtail carbon emissions, a paramount concern for Danieli Group, underscored the interview. While Europe strides ahead in curbing carbon dioxide emissions, the journey is protracted in countries like China and India, where living standards remain modest. In response, the Chairman advocated for measures such as carbon border taxes, asserting a need for “controls on imported steel”. Hydrogen emerged as a pivotal element in this transformative landscape. Danieli Group’s Chairman acknowledged its potential but highlighted challenges, noting, “if we talk more generally about carbon dioxide emissions, everyone is talking about hydrogen, but in my opinion, there is a little problem on this”. Although hydrogen can substitute natural gas in Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production, its energy-intensive manufacturing process poses challenges. He also emphasized the necessity for innovative energy solutions to overcome this hurdle. Diversification in energy sources emerged as a crucial aspect in this unfolding narrative, reflecting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the steel industry’s sustainable evolution.

Danieli Group: one step ahead when it comes to trends in steelmaking

Eliminating the reheating furnace stands as a potent strategy alongside hydrogen in Danieli Group’s vision to slash carbon dioxide emissions in the steel industry. Chairman Gianpietro Benedetti emphasized the belief in direct rolling as a pivotal measure. The current reliance on reheating furnaces involves substantial energy consumption to elevate semi-finished steel products to the required temperatures for rolling mills. Digitalization steps into the spotlight with Danieli Group’s innovative Digimelter, set to revolutionize Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs). The upcoming EAF for CMC (commercial metals) in the United States is designed for near-zero emissions, utilizing injected carbon for steel production. Notably, the incorporation of recycled plastics in the process has demonstrated a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions within six months. This transformative approach, coupled with the closed furnace concept, positions the Digimelter to achieve a 55% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. By synergizing various solutions encompassing hydrogen, Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), Digimelter, and direct rolling, Danieli Group envisions a remarkable 95% reduction in emissions compared to traditional integrated plants. This multifaceted strategy underlines the commitment to sustainable practices and technological innovation within the steelmaking landscape.

The roles held by Gianpietro Benedetti over the years

Gianpietro Benedetti began his extraordinary career in 1961 as a design engineer at Danieli & C. Over the years, his dedication, expertise and innovative spirit led him to various roles, shaping the company’s trajectory.

Gianpietro Benedetti’s career at Danieli Group

In 1963, Gianpietro Benedetti took on the position of project engineer and, in 1966, he worked as plant start-up engineer. This role led him to the position of Research and Development Director in 1976 and six years later, he took on the role of Sales Director. In 1986, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Danieli Group, a reflection of his leadership and strategic vision. But it was in 1990 that he reached the peak of his career, rising to the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group. Gianpietro Benedetti currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Danieli Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Danieli & C. S.p.A. His influence also extends outside the corporate sphere, having taken on the role of President of the of “ITS - Technical Secondary School - New made-in-Italy Technologies, Mechanical and Aeronautics Section” of Udine.

Gianpietro Benedetti’s commitment between important roles and awards

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Gianpietro Benedetti has held other important roles. Since 1994, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of Acciaierie Bertoli Safau S.p.A. and, from April 2013 to December 2018, of Friuladria Bank (Crédit Agricole Group). He is also a former member of the Board of Directors of Friuladria Bank (Intesa BCI Group). Throughout his career, he has received honorary degrees from prestigious institutions, including the University of Trieste (2000, Mechanical Engineering), University of Udine (2006, management), and the MIB School of Management of Trieste (2018, International Business). In 2018, Gianpietro Benedetti was honoured with the Tadeusz Sendzimir Memorial Medal from the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST, U.S.A.) in acknowledgment of his leadership in steelmaking technology and plant construction.

Danieli Group, Gianpietro Benedetti speaks about the importance of education and training

Gianpietro Benedetti is Chairman of Danieli Group, the global industrial machinery manufacturer based in Buttrio, Italy. During the 11^th edition of the contest “Fabbricando”, the Chairman talked about something in which the company firmly believes: the value of education and training.

Gianpietro Benedetti: education and training is how Danieli Group support the development of individual skills

In a big organization like Danieli Group, supporting education and training within and outside the company means contributing to the creation of a corporate strategy that will strengthen the organizational culture. The company led by Gianpietro Benedetti knows that investing in the development of individual and organizational skills of human resources has beneficial effects on the business, consequently leading to the enhancement of a positive brand reputation. The Chairman addressed the topic during the award ceremony of the contest “Fabbricando 2023”, which took place in Buttrio (Udine) last May and saw the participation of 449 students and 50 teachers. Gianpietro Benedetti spoke to the children and the teachers that attended the event, stressing how training plays a key role in the “development of the talents that everyone has in their life”. “Learning by doing – continued the Chairman – is seen as an added value by everyone because it is stimulating, it helps to be aware of our talents, it motivates and it teaches how to work as a team”. The fact that Danieli Group puts so much emphasis on education and training is also evidenced by the good number of projects launched by the company to train young graduates as well as to further improve the skills of its employees.

Gianpietro Benedetti: Danieli Group’s educational and training projects

Born in 1995, INDE – Industrial Design is one of the projects promoted by the company through the strategic corporate tool Danieli Academy. It trains every year 40 young technicians and it gives them the opportunity to join Danieli Group. Danieli Academy, which by the way was strongly supported by the Chairman Gianpietro Benedetti, provides in-house training and guarantees 96,000 hours of soft, technical, managerial and safety skills training. The courses are taught by 500 educators, half of which are internal and specifically trained for the job. The contest “Fabbricando”, which has recently reached its 11^th edition, is addressed to schools. It aims at facilitating the orientation of children and accelerate that of teens towards STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). It is divided into four segments: one dedicated to pre-schools, primary schools and middle schools; one dedicated to high schools and technical institutes; one for ITS Academy and one for university students. The initiative gives them the chance to get a closer view of local productive realities, also reinforcing the link between schools and companies while presenting innovative and inclusive projects related to the fields of environment, energy, digital, industrial automation and communication. The 2023 edition met with great success: there were 39 works presented from 22 schools coming from 6 different Italian regions, with a total of 449 students and 50 teachers.

Gianpietro Benedetti: Danieli Group launches emergency response after Turkey and Syria quakes

In response to the recent seismic activity in Turkey and Syria, Danieli Group, a global industrial machinery manufacturer headed by Gianpietro Benedetti and Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, has taken actions to provide tangible relief to those impacted by the disaster. The company has donated seven fully equipped containers for residential use for the people displaced by the earthquake, as well as 120 battery-powered power generators to provide access to electricity in areas without power.

Gianpietro Benedetti: Danieli Group’s shared effort to provide support

On February 6, two powerful earthquakes struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, claiming thousands of lives and causing destruction to homes and infrastructure. It is “a moral obligation to be close to those in need” – this is how Danieli Group, a global industrial machinery manufacturer headed by Gianpietro Benedetti and Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, responded to mobilize resources and provide relief measures to the victims of the disaster. The company has coordinated a shared effort to provide support to all those affected and supplied seven fully equipped containers for residential use, in addition to 120 battery-powered power generators to ensure access to electricity in areas without power. “We are humbled to be able to offer this contribution, which complements the numerous fundraising initiatives undertaken by our dedicated employees”, stated Danieli Group in a press release. Paola Perabò, Vice President of Danieli Academy, added that “the Group is always at the forefront of emergency response. With our extensive global network of offices, we believe it is not only our duty to serve society, but also a moral obligation to be close to those in need”. The response to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria reflects the strong corporate values of the company headed by Gianpietro Benedetti and Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, which is committed to promoting Corporate Social Responsibility and is involved in a diverse range of initiatives and programs to make a positive impact not only in the industry, but also in the communities it serves.

Gianpietro Benedetti: Danieli Group at the forefront of emergency response

As a leading global company, Danieli Group understands the importance of responding to crises with speed and collective action, leveraging its extensive network of offices. This is something that truly embodies the essence of the Group, which takes an active part in a wide range of Corporate Social Responsibility projects and initiatives. “In its industry, Danieli Group places a strong emphasis on scientific research to drive consistent and successful technological development in its production processes”, emphasized CEO Gianpietro Benedetti, who also stressed that “for over four decades, the Group has been actively engaged in funding the restoration and reconstruction of historical works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and architecturally significant structures”. Further explaining the meaning of the term ‘significant’, Gianpietro Benedetti pointed out that with this word “we refer not only to the intrinsic artistic value of these works but also to their importance to the communities, as they represent an inheritance of appreciation and a manifestation of longstanding traditions”. The words of the CEO represent the significance that Danieli Group places on participating in the well-being of communities, not just within its own territory, but also across borders, as evidenced by its commitment to supporting the people affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

From Design Engineer to CEO: Gianpietro Benedetti's journey at Danieli Group

Gianpietro Benedetti began his career at Danieli Group in 1961 as a design engineer and steadily progressed to become the company's Group President and CEO, contributing greatly to the steel industry.

Gianpietro Benedetti: from design engineer to CEO

Gianpietro Benedetti's career at Danieli Group began in 1961 as a design engineer in one of the company’s technical offices. After two years, he was promoted to project engineer and eventually became the plant start-up engineer in 1966. His expertise in the field led to his appointment as Research & Development Director in 1976 and Sales Director in 1982. In 1986, he was named Managing Director of Danieli Group, a position he held for four years before becoming Group President and CEO. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Danieli Group and, since September 2017, he is also Executive Board Chairman of Danieli & C. S.p.A. Additionally, Gianpietro Benedetti is the President of the Technical Secondary School's Mechanical and Aeronautics Section in Udine. His contributions to the steel industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Tadeusz Sendzimir Memorial Medal from AIST (Association for Iron & Steel Technology) in 2018.

Gianpietro Benedetti's impact on the steel industry

Throughout his career, Gianpietro Benedetti’s leadership and innovation have resulted in numerous patents for steelmaking machines and processes. He has registered over 80 inventions in his name, making him a pioneer in steelmaking technology and plant building. In addition to his work in the steel industry, he has also served on the Board of Directors of Acciaierie Bertoli Safau S.p.A. since 1994 and Friuladria Bank (Crédit Agricole Group) from April 2013 to December 2018. He is also a former member of the Board of Directors of Friuladria Bank (Intesa BCI Group). Gianpietro Benedetti’s expertise and dedication to the industry have been recognized through the numerous honorary degrees he has received: from the University of Trieste (2000, Mechanical Engineering); from the University of Udine (2016, Management) and from the MIB School of Management of Trieste (2018, International Business).

Udine Municipality confers honorary citizenship on Gianpietro Benedetti

The reasons cited for the awarding of honorary citizenship to Gianpietro Benedetti by the Municipal Council of Udine include “excellence in the entrepreneurial sector” and “contributions to the economic development and social promotion of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, as well as to the implementation of conservation and restoration interventions of historical monuments and redevelopment of the urban fabric, with a particular focus on benefiting the younger generation”.

Gianpietro Benedetti’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to community development

The Municipal Council of Udine conferred honorary citizenship upon Danieli Group’s CEO Gianpietro Benedetti “as a sign of sincere appreciation and the highest regard”, as stated in the resolution passed by the Council and inscribed on the diploma. The recognition was awarded for the excellence he achieved in the entrepreneurial sector and his contribution to the economic development and social promotion of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Moreover, his generous contribution to the implementation of conservation and restoration interventions of historical monuments and redevelopment of the urban fabric, especially for the benefit of the younger generation, was also acknowledged. Commenting on this prestigious title, Gianpietro Benedetti said that “it is an important and unexpected recognition. However, it must be acknowledged that the reason we have paid special attention to the city is not only due to affection but also corporate interests”. With regard to this, Danieli Group’s CEO said that “we often invite people from all over the world to Udine, and their positive impression of the city is significant. Those who commission systems that can cost from 100 to 500 million euros instinctively associate the decorum of the location with the potential quality of the work and the credibility of the company, which is linked to the social and cultural context in which the company operates”. This recognition is “an incentive to do even more and better in the future”, he added, with the aim “to maintain a balance between what I can give and what I can receive, and to work towards keeping our city pleasant, beautiful, and livable”.

Danieli Group: the professional career of CEO Gianpietro Benedetti

Gianpietro Benedetti is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Danieli Group, a global industrial machinery manufacturer. Since 2010, he has also been President of “ITS - Technical Secondary School - New Made-in-Italy Technologies, Mechanical and Aeronautics Section” of Udine, Italy. He began his career at Danieli Group in 1961 as a design engineer. After managing several departments, he was named Co-Chief Executive Officer in 1986 and General Manager in 1991, before ultimately becoming Chief Executive Officer in 1999. In September 2017, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Board of the Group. Gianpietro Benedetti is the holder of many patents for steelmaking machines and processes – including the MI.DA® Micromill – and has registered over 80 inventions under his name. In recognition of his career, he was awarded an honorary degree in Mechanical Engineering (University of Trieste, 2000), an honorary degree in Management Engineering (University of Udine, 2016), and an M.B.A. in International Business (MIB School of Management of Trieste, 2018). Additionally, in 2006, the National order of Chivalry made him a Knight of the Order of Merit for Labor, for the service to the Italian Republic. In 2018, he also received the Tadeusz Sendzimir Memorial Medal from AIST (Association for Iron & Steel Technology).