Introduction
Paolo Ruggeri, a trailblazer in global business leadership, has recently reached an impressive milestone of surpassing €2 million in personal net worth. As the CEO of several subsidiaries under AB Holding and the co-founder of cutting-edge startups, Ruggeri is revolutionizing industries through a powerful combination of innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth. With a presence spanning renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and consulting, Ruggeri is shaping a more sustainable and efficient global economy. We had the privilege of speaking with him to discuss his journey, his role at AB Group, and his vision for the future.
Q: Paolo, your journey into entrepreneurship started at a young age. What motivated you to take this path, and how did it shape your career?
Paolo Ruggeri: My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 19 when I founded my first company. I’ve always been drawn to solving problems and creating value, and starting my own business was a way to put that passion into action. That early experience was instrumental in shaping my career—it taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and long-term strategic planning. Those lessons continue to guide me, especially as I take on more complex challenges across global markets.
Q: You’ve achieved remarkable success as the CEO of multiple subsidiaries under AB Holding. Can you share how you’ve driven AB Group’s growth on a global scale?
Paolo Ruggeri: AB Group’s success is built on two main pillars: innovation and sustainability. As the CEO of subsidiaries across the U.S., Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and Canada, I’ve prioritized tailoring our strategies to meet the unique needs of each local market. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning, we’ve optimized operations and enhanced efficiency. Moreover, I focus on building and leading multicultural teams, as they are crucial to navigating diverse regulatory environments and cultural nuances. This combination of innovation and a global mindset has been key to our growth and impact.
Q: Sustainability is central to AB Group’s mission. How do you integrate environmental responsibility into your business strategies while maintaining profitability?
Paolo Ruggeri: Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand when approached strategically. At AB Group, we’ve made substantial investments in technologies that minimize environmental impact while improving operational performance. For example, our work in biomethane purification and emissions treatment directly addresses climate challenges. By aligning sustainability initiatives with our business goals, we’ve created a model where environmental responsibility becomes a driver of financial growth, rather than a limitation.
Q: Your academic credentials are extensive, including degrees from the University of Trento, Hult International Business School, Harvard, and MIT. How has your education contributed to your success?
Paolo Ruggeri: My education has been a cornerstone of my career. At the University of Trento, I developed a strong foundation in economics and management, which prepared me for the challenges of entrepreneurship. The dual Master’s programs at Hult provided me with a global perspective on international business and finance, while the MicroMasters at Harvard and MIT deepened my technical understanding of supply chain management and financial systems. Each academic experience added a layer of expertise that I’ve been able to apply across industries and markets.
Q: In addition to your role at AB Group, you’ve co-founded Luc.IA Srl and GFP Consulting Srl. How do these ventures align with your overall vision?
Paolo Ruggeri: Both ventures are extensions of my commitment to innovation and creating value. Luc.IA focuses on applying AI to optimize business processes and increase efficiency, which ties into my belief in leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. GFP Consulting, on the other hand, provides strategic advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them scale sustainably. These companies reflect my broader vision of combining technology, strategy, and sustainability to drive growth and make a meaningful impact.
Q: Managing ventures across continents must come with its own set of challenges. How do you navigate these complexities?
Paolo Ruggeri: Managing global ventures certainly comes with challenges, from time zone differences to navigating cultural nuances and diverse regulatory environments. To address these, I’ve focused on building a culture of trust and accountability within my teams. Communication is critical, and I make it a priority to ensure clarity and alignment across all levels of the organization. My multilingual proficiency in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese has also been a significant asset, allowing me to connect with teams and stakeholders across regions more effectively.
Q: As a board advisor to companies like Narpi Srl and Pharmapia Srl, how do you provide impactful guidance?
Paolo Ruggeri: My approach as a board advisor is to focus on strategic alignment and identifying growth opportunities. Each company operates in a unique context, so my role is to understand their specific challenges and tailor solutions that address their needs. I leverage my expertise in finance, technology, and international markets to help these companies navigate complexities and scale sustainably. The goal is always to foster innovation and position them for long-term success.
Q: Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become central to many industries. How do you see these technologies shaping the future of business?
Paolo Ruggeri: AI and machine learning are transformative tools that are already reshaping how businesses operate. At AB Group, we use these technologies to enhance decision-making, optimize processes, and predict market trends. For instance, in renewable energy, AI helps us analyze and improve system efficiencies, enabling us to meet both operational and sustainability goals. In the broader business landscape, companies that embrace these innovations will lead the charge toward a smarter and more efficient future.
Q: AB Group takes pride in its “Made in Italy” standard of excellence. How does this influence the company’s global operations?
Paolo Ruggeri: The “Made in Italy” philosophy is more than a tagline—it’s a commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. At AB Group, this standard drives every aspect of our operations, from advanced engineering to state-of-the-art production. Even as we expand globally, we bring that same dedication to excellence to every market we enter. It’s a competitive advantage that sets us apart and reinforces our position as a trusted leader in energy sustainability.
Q: Looking back on your career, what are the accomplishments you’re most proud of? And what’s next for you?
Paolo Ruggeri: I’m proud of many things, but what stands out most is building teams that share my vision and values. The growth we’ve achieved at AB Group and my startups reflects the collective efforts of those teams. Moving forward, I want to deepen our impact in renewable energy and explore new opportunities in artificial intelligence and strategic consulting. My ultimate goal is to continue driving innovation that addresses global challenges while creating sustainable value.
Q: You’ve achieved so much at a young age. How do you stay grounded and maintain focus?
Paolo Ruggeri: Staying grounded comes from remembering why I started this journey in the first place—to solve problems and create positive change. I’m fortunate to work with talented teams and mentors who inspire and challenge me every day. Reflecting on the bigger picture and the impact of our work helps me stay focused on what truly matters.
