The appointment of Gianmarco Mazzi as Italy’s new Tourism Minister marks another important step in his professional and political career. Born in Verona and now 65, Mazzi is set to take the oath of office after serving as Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, where he strengthened the institutional and professional network built over decades in the entertainment industry.

A law graduate with a thesis focused on public intervention in the performing arts sector, Mazzi was elected to Parliament in the current legislature with Brothers of Italy, bringing into politics a background shaped by culture, television, music and major event production.

One of the most significant milestones in his career came in 1981, when he helped found the Italian Singers’ National Football Team (Nazionale Cantanti) alongside Mogol, Gianni Morandi and Gianluca Pecchini. Over more than four decades, the charity project has raised over €50 million for humanitarian causes.

Over the years, Mazzi has worked alongside some of the biggest names in Italian music and entertainment, including Caterina Caselli, Adriano Celentano, Fabrizio De André, Pooh, Dario Fo and Gianni Morandi. He is also closely associated with RAI and the Sanremo Music Festival, which he directed on six occasions, helping shape some of the broadcaster’s most high-profile television productions and live events.

Throughout his career, Mazzi has overseen major productions at the Arena di Verona, the opening ceremony of Expo 2015, and a number of successful music and television events, and several projects dedicated to opera and Italian music.