Lapo Elkann

Born in New York in 1977, Lapo Edovard Elkann is Chairman and Founder of Italia Independent Group and of Garage Italia Customs. After studying in France and England and gaining experience as assistant to Henry Kissinger, Mr. Elkann emerged as Worldwide Brand Promotion Director for Fiat Group, where he successfully carried out several projects in below-the-line marketing and participated in the relaunch of the Fiat 500. In 2007 he undertook the entrepreneurial path, founding the lifestyle brand “Italia Independent,” the creative factory “Independent Ideas,” and the holding “Italia Independent Group,” which was listed on the Italian Stock Exchange in June 2013. In 2011 he started a collaboration with Ferrari to create the Tailor Made Unit. In March 2015 he founded Garage Italia Customs, a customization service for the automobile industry. In July 2013 he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the American institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating outstanding automotive achievement.

Mr. Elkann is on the Boards of Directors of Ferrari, Pinacoteca Gianni, Marella Agnelli, and Good Films. In addition to generously supporting amfAR over the past 11 years through the donation of one-of-a-kind auction items, Mr. Elkann’s charitable work includes serving on the Board of the Tel Hashomer/Sheba Foundation. Tel Hashomer is a hospital based in Tel Aviv that has saved the lives of many in need, regardless of conflicting cultural beliefs. Mr. Elkann has actively participated in its fundraising events, helping to raise much-needed funds for the hospital. Mr. Elkann also supports the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation by donating custom cars to be auctioned at its galas, in addition to making generous personal contributions.

Most recently, Mr. Elkann launched L.A.P.S. (Libera Accademia Progetti Sperimentali), an organization dedicated to bringing smiles and joy back into the lives of underprivileged children ages five through ten. Mr. Elkann uses the creative tools at his disposal, be it fashion, art, design, technology, or sport, to help children unlock their own creativity and discover the joy of making something.