2024 Masters of Stone: All Women
VERONA, Italy – For the first time in the 705-year history of the Master of Stone, the honor goes to four industry leaders – all women.
Franca Conti, Elena Pellegrini, Janina Mathiasz and Vivian Coser are all successful entrepreneurs, with a particular vocation in promoting and enhancing the economy and culture related to the stone sector with their business.
Yesterday, on the opening day of the 58th Marmomac exhibition, all four received the coveted red Verona marble cube, the bronze tile and the silver chisel — symbols of a tradition that has its roots in the Middle Ages, when the Ancient Free Guild of the Art of Stone was born in Verona.
The awards were presented Veronafiere President, Federico Bricolo, CEO Maurizio Danese, and General Manager Adolfo Rebughini.
“For the first time in the centuries-old history of the award, we can say that stone has a new, all-female face ,” Bricolo said. “Marmomac is a perfect international stage to amplify the message that skills and passion know no gender distinctions and are the best omen for a fair future in every context, even in that of marble, often perceived as purely male.
“The hope is that these new Masters of the Stone will contribute to creating with their example a legacy that can inspire the next generations”.
Franca Conti received the title for her leadership in the sector and for carrying on the legacy of the R.E.D. Group, founded by her father Giorgio Conti in the early 1960s. The company has become a multinational company, with a sustainable and integrated production process.
Franca has promoted values of attention to people, communities and the environment, investing in the well-being of employees and supporting culture through the Giorgio Conti Foundation. For its commitment, it is recognized as a symbol of excellence and social responsibility.
Elena Pellegrini became a Master of Stone for her authority in the field of technologies for the processing of natural stone. Since 1992, he has successfully led Pellegrini Meccanica, taking up the legacy of her father Marco Pellegrini.
Elena has kept innovation and excellence alive in diamond-wire cutting, the company’s core business, and is active in industry associations, distinguishing herself for her entrepreneurial vision and strong environmental responsibility.
The award to Janina Mathiasz underlines her contribution to the natural-stone sector. In 1998, she created the “Designing with Natural Stone” course, which is still active today at Marmomac; a training program for architects accredited by prestigious international professional associations.
In addition to promoting natural stone in Hungary, her native country, Janina has committed to strengthening Marmomac’s leadership as a global reference event in the sector.
Vivian Coser, co-founder of the Vitória, Brazil-based Sette7 studio with her sister Erika, redefined contemporary Brazilian design, enhancing the natural resources of her country. Her unique style blends eclectic influences to create pieces that blend beauty and functionality.
Dedicated to the enhancement of Brazilian materials, Vivian has elevated stone craftsmanship to a timeless experience, celebrating the link between nature, culture and human creativity. Her contribution has enriched the design and processing of stone, blending tradition and innovation.
The Masters of Stone date back to 1319, when in Verona, under the Lordship of Cangrande I della Scala, the Ancient Free Guild of the Art of Stone was established, which brought together stonemasons, quarrymen and artists expert in the processing of stone extracted from the areas of Lessinia, Valpolicella and Valpantena.
In 1980, the Corporation was refounded at Marmoma; today, the award celebrates those who, with their work, contribute to the development and prestige of the techno-stone supply chain in the area.
