The European satellite communications industry mourns the loss of Giuliano Berretta, a prominent figure who passed away at the age of 84. Berretta's extensive career significantly shaped both Eutelsat and the wider European space sector.
Eva Berneke, Eutelsat’s current chief executive, offered a heartfelt tribute: “Giuliano Berretta led Eutelsat at a pivotal moment in our development, moving the group forward with a clear vision combined with energy and passion. This passion and wealth of ideas never left him, and he continued to interact, nudge, help and support the group until his very last years. Always with a smile and the best intentions. A truly great leader who will be missed by many.”
Rodolphe Belmer, TF1 chairman and chief executive, and a successor to Berretta at Eutelsat, described him as “A visionnary, a pioneer, an entrepreneur. A man of passion, of energy, of courage. A driving force of the European space sector.”
Berretta's career began with a degree in electronic engineering from the University of Padua, followed by a position at Selenia (now Alenia Alcatel Space) in 1964. A turning point came in 1971 when he became head of telecommunications systems at ESA’s ESTEC centre. His leadership continued at ESA’s Missions and Telecommunications Programmes Office in Paris from 1978. He joined Eutelsat in 1991, holding various key roles including sales director, general manager, and ultimately chairman and CEO from 2004 until 2011.