Material ConneXion Announces the Promotion of Michele Caniato to President

Material ConneXion announced today the promotion of Michele Caniato to President. Caniato has served as Executive Vice President of the company since 2005. Caniato will take the reigns from founder George M. Beylerian.

"Mr. Caniato's appointment marks an important step forward for the future of Material ConneXion," said founder George M. Beylerian. "Having played a vital role in the company's recent growth and global expansion, he has proven himself to be a visionary leader with the ability to steer Material ConneXion towards the exciting goals we look to achieve in the coming years."

Michele Caniato has been with Material ConneXion since its inception in 1997 and has been a driving force in making the company the world's leading platform for material innovations and solutions. Under his guidance, Material ConneXion has established international licensees in Milan, Italy, Cologne, Germany and Bangkok, Thailand, all of which he also oversees. He is credited with collaborating with Beylerian to turn ideas into tangible realities that successfully service the design industry and its partners.

"In just ten years, we've become the leading materials consultancy for Fortune 500 companies worldwide," said newly appointed President Michele Caniato. "It is an exciting time for materials innovation and I am honored to take Material ConneXion to the next phase. I look forward to advancing our sustainable materials expertise, increasing our presence worldwide, and helping companies realize the incredible possibilities of new materials."

As President, Caniato will be responsible for all key decisions regarding the company, direct long-term strategic development, and continue to oversee daily operations. Beylerian will continue to guide the company's vision and develop new initiatives with Caniato.

Caniato is a graduate of the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy and holds a Master's degree in architecture and industrial design. He is also the President of Culture & Commerce, Inc., a design management agency that represents such design talent as Yves Behar, Dror Benshetrit, Sami Hayek, Piero Lissoni, Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders.

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