JCU Trustee Reza Arabnia's Company Featured on Italian National TV
The popular prime time news program Report recently did a feature on JCU Trustee Ali Reza Arabnia, as a unique example of a CEO guided by ethical principles and a courageous and creative approach to problem-solving in times of crisis.
Geico S.p.A, the company led by Dr. Arabnia, specializes in turnkey original coating systems and plants for the vehicle industry.
Under Dr. Arabnia’s leadership, the company reacted to the serious economic crisis that hit the auto industry by investing as much as possible in innovation and research. After Geico recovered, Dr. Arabnia actually decided to give workers back the money that they lost when they were placed under a voluntary “reduced salary” regime in 2009 and 2010.
Dr. Arabnia also received another important recognition of his work from the northern Italian city of Cinisello Balsamo, where Geico is located. He was awarded the
Spiga d’Oro, a prize that is given each year to individuals or companies that distinguish themselves by their human solidarity and contributions to society. According to the award website, “Dr. Arabnia has managed to imbue his company with the culture of innovation, the excellence of technology, openness toward international markets, and respect for work and workers. He is an innovator who also works for the local community, since he considers the company a fundamental motor for economic and social development.”
Born and raised in Teheran, Dr. Arabnia graduated from John Cabot University in 1983 and has been a JCU Trustee since 1998. He has distinguished himself by his uncommon generosity and wise counsel to the Administration throughout the years, and was awarded an honorary doctorate in Business Administration at the May 2010 Commencement Ceremony. In February 2011, Dr. Arabnia shared tips on strategic thinking in times of crisis with JCU students.
