Vittorio Merloni, chairman of Fineldo and Indesit Co., accepts 05 GEI Award from Lucio Caputo, GEI President, at May 6 ceremony at the Pierre Hotel.

A panoramic view of the ballroom of the Pierre Hotel during GEI Award luncheon on May 6, 2005.

Gabriella Tucci is greeted by GEI president Lucio Caputo at GEI Award luncheon honoring Vittorio Merloni.

Lucio Caputo (c) introduces Berardo Paradiso (l), chairman of Italy America Chamber of Commerce, to 2005 GEI Awardee Vittorio Merloni.

Baroness Maricccia Zerilli Marimò of NYU's Casa Zerilli Marimò, chats with Vittorio Merloni at GEI Award Luncheon

L to r.: Vittorio Merloni, Baroness Zerilli Marimò, Gabriella Tucci and N.Y.S. Supreme Court Justice Dominic Massaro at the GEI Award luncheon.

Rose Marie Gallina of Legion of Merit greets Vittorio Merloni.

L. to r.: GEI Awardee Vittorio Merloni, Lucio Caputo and Dominic Massaro at the GEI Award luncheon.

L. to r.: Gianandrea Falchi, Banca d'Italia and GEI officer, Romeo Cella, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena and GEI treasurer, and Vittorio Merloni.

Mario Bona, chairman and CEO of RAI Corp. and a GEI director, greets Vittorio Merloni at GEI Award luncheon.

Amb. Richard Gardner and Vittorio Merloni embrace at reception preceding luncheon in Dr. Merloni's honor.

Former GEI Awardee Marvin Traub (l.) greets Vittorio Merloni as Dr. Caputo looks on.

New York State Appellate Division Justice Eugene Nardelli chats with Dr. Merloni at reception preceding GEI luncheon.

GEI Awardee Vittorio Bandini chats with Consul General of Italy Antonio Bandini.

Left to r.: Gianandrea Falchi, the Rev. Celestino Migliore, Premanent Observe of the Holy See to the U.N., and Dr. Merloni.

Left to r.: Vittorio Merloni, Lucio Caputo and Terron Schaefer, Senior Vice President, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Vittorio Merloni answers questions during a press conference following the Awards ceremony.

Vittorio Merloni is interviewed by Raffaello Siniscaldo of RAI TV following the GEI Award luncheon.