Born in 1920, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi graduated in literature and philosophy from the University of Pisa in 1941, and in the same year earned a degree from the Scuola Normale Superiore. When the war ended he also obtained a degree in Law.
He joined the Bank of Italy in 1946, working in the Livorno and Macerata branch offices. In 1960 he was assigned to the Economic Research Department, of which he became Head in 1970.
He was appointed Deputy Director General in 1976, Director General in 1978, and Governor in September 1979. He was Prime Minister of Italy from April 1993 until May 1994. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Bank for International Settlements in 1994-1996 and Chairman of the EU Competitiveness Advisory Group in 1995-1996.
He was Treasury Minister and Minister for the Budget and Economic Planning from May 1996 until May 1999 and Chairman of the IMF Interim Committee from 1998 until 1999.
He was President of the Italian Republic from May 1999 until May 2006. As a former President of the Republic, he was a Life Senator. He was Governor Emeritus of the Bank of Italy. Died on September 2016.
