Maria Elvira “Marina” Berlusconi: Italian Businesswoman

Biography:

Maria Elvira Berlusconi, commonly known as Marina, was born on August 10, 1966, in Milan, Italy. She is the daughter of Silvio Berlusconi. Marina is the older sister of Pier Silvio Berlusconi and the older paternal half-sister of businesswoman Barbara Berlusconi.

Education and Early Career:

Graduated from high school with a focus on classical studies.

Initially enrolled in the Faculty of Law and then Political Science at the University of Milan but abandoned both in her first year.

After an apprenticeship, she ventured into various roles in the media business in Italy.

Professional Achievements:

In 1994, Marina joined the board of her father’s holding company, Fininvest, alongside her brother Pier Silvio Berlusconi.

Participated in the inauguration of the Spanish channel Telecinco in 1995.

Appointed Deputy Chairman of Fininvest by her father in 1996.

Since 2003, she has served as the chairperson of Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, Italy’s largest publishing company.

Also served on the Board of Directors of MFE (Mediaset SpA) and Mediobanca.

Recognition and Awards:

In 2010, Forbes ranked Marina Berlusconi 48th in The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, making her the only Italian on the list.

Since 2001, she has been included in Fortune magazine’s list of the 50 most influential women in the international business community.

The Hollywood Reporter listed her among the 20 most influential women in the media TV industry in 2013, 2016, and 2018.

Political Considerations:

In 2011, Marina expressed that she had never considered entering politics like her father but admitted in 2014 that she might consider it eventually.

Personal Life:

In December 2008, Marina Berlusconi married Maurizio Vanadia, a former lead dancer at La Scala.

The couple has two sons, Gabriele (born 2002) and Silvio.

Awards:

Named in The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes magazine from 2004 to 2010.

In 2009, she was awarded the Gold Medal of the City of Milan (Ambrogino d’oro) by the mayor, Letizia Moratti, recognizing her as an example of Milanese excellence in balancing professional and family life.