Eduardo De Santis
Founder of Gold Mercury International, Entrepreneur and Film Producer.
Eduardo De Santis, being appointed as Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana.
Eduardo De Santis was the Founder and Chairman of Gold Mercury International, an independent international institution established in 1961 to advance dialogue, cooperation and new approaches to the challenges shaping humanity's future.
Through the Gold Mercury Awards, international research and summits, Eduardo brought together leaders, institutions and key global actors to examine critical international issues, sustainable development challenges and the changing conditions shaping the future of society.
A forward-looking entrepreneur and strategist, Eduardo became increasingly concerned by the limitations of conventional leadership and strategic planning in addressing long-term global challenges. He researched the limited futures-oriented tools then available to leaders and organisations and pioneered new areas of strategic thought, including Visionary Governance™ and long-range visioneering, to encourage longer-term thinking and more anticipatory approaches to leadership and development.
His work combined ideas with practical action. Throughout his career, Eduardo advised corporations, governments and international organisations and worked with companies including Alcatel, Alitalia, Bank of America, Banamex, Disney, Iberia Airlines, San Miguel Corporation, Coca-Cola, Iberdrola, la Caixa, Wells Fargo, CEPSA and PRISA. He also served as President International of Landor Associates, now part of WPP.
Beyond international affairs and strategic advisory work, Eduardo had a distinguished career in film. After entering the industry as a writer and actor, he established his own independent production company and worked on more than one hundred productions across Europe and the United States. He also participated in the founding of the San Sebastián Film Festival, the Gijón Children's Film Festival and the Cinema Festival of Human Values.
Eduardo De Santis was appointed Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana and received the Stella d'Italia, among Italy's highest distinctions, in recognition of his contribution.
His legacy continues through Gold Mercury and its enduring commitment to advancing the ideas, leadership and institutional capabilities required to understand and shape humanity's long-term future.
Eduardo De Santis received the Stella d'Italia, one of Italy's highest distinctions, from President Giorgio Napolitano in recognition of his contribution to international cooperation.