The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has nominated our Chairman Aram Manoukian to become Cavaliere del Lavoro. Pres. Mattarella received this proposal from the Minister of Economic Development, in concert with the Minister of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies.

Aram Manoukian has been active on the Board of Administration of the Lechler Group for over 20 years. He has served as General Manager since 2004 and as Chairman since 2011.

The “Merit for Labour” knighthood was introduced in 1901 by King Vittorio Emanuele III as recognition for business people whose lives reflect their commitments to creating an ethical business culture and improving working conditions.

The conferment of this decoration is regulated by Law 194 of 1986. All phases of the selection process are coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Development, which oversees the Council of the “Merit for Labour” Order. The title of Cavaliere del Lavoro is conferred each year on Republic Day to Italian business people who have distinguished themselves in the five sectors of agriculture, industry, commerce, artisanship, and banking and insurance activities.

At present, the holders of this title form a small elite group of only 631 members, and a total of only 2972 recipients have been recognised since 1901.

The decoration of Cavaliere del Lavoro is presented to the recipients by the President of the Republic during a solemn awards ceremony that is held each year at in October at the Quirinale. Institutional authorities and all Cavaliere del Lavoro recipients attend this event.