Mattei, Enrico (1906–1962)

Italian industrialist. He was instrumental in important discoveries of oil and methane deposits in 1945 and 1953, which in turn led to the creation of the ENI industrial combine. His business methods were sometimes controversial, however, and Mafia involvement has been suspected in the plane crash that killed him.

He was born in Aqualunga. He began life as a workman, and achieved prominence in the resistance movement in northern Italy during World War II. Under Mattei's dynamic and often controversial leadership ENI branched out into chemicals, cement, textiles, journalism, tourism, and nuclear energy. By preserving a monopoly over sales of oil and by dealing directly and independently with the oil producers Mattei incurred the displeasure of the American oil consortia. By the time of his death he was one of the most powerful industrial leaders in Italy. His career has been the subject of a film by Rosi.