Bruno Bolfo, the founder of Duferco Group and a prominent figure in the global steel industry, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, in Lugano, Switzerland. He was 84 years old.

Born in Lavagna, Italy, Bolfo began his career at Siderexport, the international trading division of Italsider, where he quickly established himself as a leading young executive. His early professional years included a period in New York, where he gained critical experience in international commodity markets and developed a global perspective that would define his later achievements.

In 1979, Bolfo left Siderexport and, together with a small team of fellow Ligurians, founded Duferco in New York City and São Paulo, Brazil. The company evolved from an entrepreneurial startup into a multinational industrial and trading group with operations spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Under his leadership, Duferco expanded beyond steel production and trading into fields such as energy, shipping, and logistics, maintaining a strong focus on its industrial origins.

Bolfo was recognized for his ability to anticipate major shifts in global markets, leveraging uncertainty to create new opportunities. His approach combined business acumen with a commitment to innovation, integrity, and long-term vision. Beyond the steel industry, his entrepreneurial interests reached sectors including hospitality, wine production, and medical technology.

Despite his considerable business success, Bolfo was known for his humility and discretion. Colleagues and associates recall him as a leader who valued optimism, trust, and respect as cornerstones of sustainable enterprise. His mentorship and balanced leadership style earned widespread admiration from peers around the world.

Bolfo is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren, as well as a broad network of colleagues, partners, and friends who benefited from his guidance and vision. His legacy encompasses not only the global company he established but also the values of optimism, confidence in younger generations, and the belief that entrepreneurship represents a fundamental human creative endeavor.