Thursday 5th November 2009, H.E. Mr Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Italian Republic, conferred the honour of "Cavaliere dell' Ordine al Merito del lavoro" on Mr Luigi Macaluso, Chairman of the Sowind Group, on the occasion of a solemn ceremony held in Rome at the President’s Residence, Quirinale Palace.

The Ordine al Merito del Lavoro medal is awarded to those "who have been singularly meritorious" in commerce and industry. It was first instituted by Royal Decree on 9 May 1901, replacing the Ordine Cavalleresco al Merito Industriale e Commerciale which had been created by Royal Decree on 1 March 1898. The badge bears the inscription Al merito del lavoro-1901.

This honourable title is awarded to just 25 people per year, only one of whom is an entrepreneur living and working in a foreign country, who has made a contribution to the prestige of Italy throughout the world with his work. Luigi Macaluso stated "I am very honoured to become a member of the order of merit. This reinforces the strong links I have with my country”.

This decoration rewards an entire life dedicated to the promotion of the “Haute Horlogerie” culture and the development of the watch industry. Under Mr Macaluso’s leadership, Girard-Perregaux and the Sowind Group have been enjoying constant progress in terms of innovation, research and design, whilst ensuring the respect of their heritage.

With this decoration, Dr Luigi Macaluso becomes a member of the prestigious Italian Federation.

Source: Girard-Perregaux