Giuliano Berretta passes away
It is with deep sadness that the Académie de l’air et de l’espace has learned of the death of Giuliano Berretta, which occurred on May 26, 2025, at the age of 84. A distinguished member of our Academy since his election on June 16, 2011, he leaves behind the lasting imprint of a remarkable career in the service of European and international space communications.
Born on July 17, 1940 in Dekemhare, Eritrea, Giuliano Berretta graduated in electronic engineering from the University of Padua. His exemplary career began in Italian industry, with Telettra and then Selenia, before he brought his expertise to the European Space Agency (ESA), notably at its Paris headquarters and ESTEC in the Netherlands.
In 1990, he joined Eutelsat, where he was appointed first Commercial Director, before becoming CEO in January 1999, then Chairman and CEO from 2001 to 2009. Under his leadership, Eutelsat experienced sustained growth, transforming itself into a major player in satellite telecommunications, opening up to international markets and structuring itself as a leading private company. He also sat on the Board of Directors of Spanish operator Hispasat, continuing his commitment to the development of European space.
Distinguished by numerous institutions, Giuliano Berretta was Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in France and Cavaliere del Lavoro in Italy. The Universities of Bologna and Lima awarded him honorary doctorates and honorary professorships respectively, in recognition of his role as a purveyor of knowledge and visionary in the field of space technology.
At the Académie de l’air et de l’espace, he was a respected voice, combining scientific rigor, international openness and constant commitment to promoting space as a vector for progress and cooperation.
The Academy sends its most sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Giuliano Berretta’s name will remain associated with the growth of European space telecommunications and the ideal of a space that will bring a future to humanity.
