Our people
Giovanni Mautone, Associate Director in Macquarie Capital, developed his career in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Milan, London and Paris before joining Macquarie’s new office in Milan to build out our expertise in Italy. Giovanni tells us about his passion for infrastructure and how he benefitted from relocating to Italy’s financial capital.
Throughout his career, Giovanni has sought out roles that challenge him and provide an opportunity to learn new skills and capabilities. “Already, that’s what I’ve found at Macquarie; I’m part of a team looking at complex infrastructure and energy opportunities, and my work is really about approaching each of these with a new mindset.”
After several years working in London, Giovanni’s decision to move back to his home country of Italy came as he reached a critical stage in his career. Contemplating his next career move, he weighed up whether he should stay in London and continue to build his professional network there or return to Italy and seize a new opportunity. Ultimately, he decided to return to Milan and joined a leading independent Italian investment bank, with responsibility for covering the infrastructure sector.
As he was continuing to build his expertise in infrastructure, the chance to join Macquarie arose, which he recognised would help him expand his own skillset and exposure to global projects and contribute directly to building out the Group’s growing presence in Italy.
“Moving to Macquarie was exactly the right decision. An opportunity to join an organisation with deep infrastructure expertise doesn’t come every day, and I quickly realised it would allow me to grow my knowledge and experience more while committing to my passion for the sector.”
Macquarie has been investing in Italy for two decades – advising clients, supporting commodities trading, deploying capital and investing in transport, digital and energy infrastructure – and is well-positioned to help strengthen the country’s economy.
Earlier this year, Macquarie marked its 20th anniversary in Italy and established its first permanent presence there. Giovanni played an instrumental role in establishing the new office location, which is primely located near Piazza Affari and the Duomo, in the heart of Milan.
The project brought with it its own exciting challenges – building new networks, explaining Macquarie’s presence in Europe’s fourth-largest economy to potential advisors, stakeholders and investors, and highlighting the role it can play in helping them meet their needs and in further development of the country’s infrastructure.
The opening of an office in Italy gave a strong signal that Macquarie has made a strategic choice to be present in the country."
This deepening commitment reflects Macquarie’s growing business in Italy, with a team of market specialists covering investment, asset management, advisory and capital raising for Italian clients and projects.
Giovanni highlights that Milan is a dynamic city. “We all know each other, and it’s a sociable professional life. That's what makes Milan unique compared to other European cities.”
Macquarie has a similar community feel, says Giovanni, thanks to the connection he has to a global innovative network of colleagues – something he especially enjoys about his experience working with Macquarie so far.
In his current role, Giovanni supports Macquarie Capital’s strategy for Italy and has had the opportunity to progress his career from purely providing strategic advisory to also undertaking investment.
Being part of Macquarie Capital’s principal investing team, which makes investments using its own balance sheet, has been an exciting change in focus allowing him to have greater responsibility working through investment opportunities.
“We look at complex infrastructure and energy opportunities and aim to remove the challenges systematically, as well as showing others how different approaches can yield new results. It’s been incredibly exciting and rewarding to be the one not just proposing an idea but also taking the investment action,” he says. “From day one, I have felt empowered to carry out interesting work that calls on my expertise.”
The opportunity to work at Macquarie came at the perfect time for Giovanni.
“It was at just the right moment in my career, and the right place to do it. Everyone at Macquarie is supportive, and really open to listening, even if they are more senior and have considerably more experience.” Giovanni emphasises the way in which Macquarie enables individuals and teams to innovate and thrive.
“Even though Macquarie is a very large organisation, its culture is entrepreneurial. It is open to new approaches, exploring new types of business. It’s essential to be curious and open to trying new things, and to learn from others.”
Giovanni recognises just how much he has learnt in the 18 months since he joined Macquarie.
Macquarie has given me the opportunity to innovate, and it supports me in my contribution to the business’ growth.”
"My ideas on how we address the challenges that society faces are welcomed at every turn.”
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