Donatella de Vita graduated in Philosophy from the State University of Milan in 1986, later obtaining a PhD in Work Psychology. She subsequently worked in the areas of selection and management training for the La Rinascente Group and the former Banca d’America e d’Italia. In 90’ she joined the Pirelli Group, where she has run international projects in training, development and internal communications and took different positions as Head of HR function of various Business Units and Companies at international level. Since beginning of 2010 she took on Group-wide responsibility for Training, Engagement and Welfare. Since beginning 2018 she was also appointed global head for Development, besides the previous responsibilities. Major interest areas are currently: Learning and Development strategies and methods, Neuro Sciences and their impact on Development and People Engagement methodologies and tools, Assessment tools, Executive Coaching and Leadership Development, trends in Executive Education, Corporate Learning and Academy strategies.

Pirelli was founded in Milan in 1872 and today stands as a global brand known for its cutting-edge technology, high-end production excellence and passion for innovation that draws heavily on its Italian roots. With 18 production plants in 12 countries and a commercial presence in over 160, Pirelli has around 30,700 employees and had a turnover of about 5.3 billion euro (in 2021). It is among the world’s major producers of tyres and associated services and the only one focused solely on the Consumer tyre market, which includes tyres for cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Pirelli’s technological excellence is also nourished by the innovation and competencies derived from sporting competitions, in which it has been active for over 110 years. Currently, the Company participates in over 350 car and motorcycle sport events and, since 2011, it has been the exclusive tyre supplier to the Formula 1© World Championship and will be the sole Global Tyre Partner until 2024. All of this has grown from a strong commitment to Research and Development based on an “Open Innovation” model. In 2021, Pirelli’s investment in R&D equaled around 6% of its revenues from High Value products, one of the highest levels among the world’s major tyre producers. Pirelli boasts around 2,000 people engaged in R&D, located at its Milan headquarters and 12 local technology centres, and a portfolio of more than 6,700 patents. The Pirelli brand is an international icon standing for technology, tastefulness and Italian excellence, synonymous with safety and reliability. Represented by the unmistakable “long P” logo for more than a century, the Pirelli name is associated with exclusivity, luxury, and innovation, strengthening its distinctive position as a supplier to luxury car manufacturers. Pirelli continually enhances the reputation and strength of the brand through its involvement in motorsport events and competitions, cultural and artistic projects and initiatives benefitting local communities.