Renato Ruggiero (9 April 1930 – 4 August 2013) was an Italian diplomat and politician. He was Director-General of the World Trade Organization from 1995 to 1999 and briefly served as Italy's Foreign Minister in 2001.[1]
Born in Naples on 9 April 1930, Ruggiero graduated from Naples University in 1953 with a law degree, thereafter entering the foreign service.[2] He subsequently held posts in private firms such as Fiat and the energy firm ENI. After a brilliant business career, he became a top-ranking diplomat, and was involved in tough situations such as the Sigonella crisis in 1985. He was famous for his abilities as a strong-minded negotiator and thus earned the nickname of "Rocky" Ruggiero. At the time of his death in 2013, Ruggiero was an Ambassador and was working for Citigroup. He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Bilderberg Group.[3]
Order of Merit of the Italian Republic 1st Class / Knight Grand Cross – 3 October 1985[4]
Ruggiero was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the government of Japan.[5]
