Joey Saputo facts for kids

Giuseppe "Joey" Saputo was born on September 25, 1964. He is a Canadian businessman known for his work in sports. Joey Saputo is the president of CF Montréal, a professional soccer team he started in 1992. He also owns Saputo Stadium, which is named after his family's company, Saputo Inc., known for its dairy products. Beyond Canada, he is also the chairman of an Italian soccer club called Bologna.

About Joey Saputo's Family

Joey Saputo is the son of Emanuele "Lino" Saputo. His father founded Saputo Inc., a big Canadian company that makes dairy products. This company also sells other items, like spaghetti sauce. Saputo Inc. used to own Vachon Inc., which made popular snacks like the Jos Louis dessert. Joey Saputo has four sons.

Joey Saputo's Career Journey

Working at Saputo Inc.

Joey Saputo began working for his family's business, Saputo Inc., in 1985. His father, Lino Saputo, started the dairy company in 1954. By 1990, Joey was promoted to a leadership role in the Dairy Products Division for the United States. He held various positions within the company. In January 2004, he became the Senior Vice President of Commercial and Business Development.

Leading CF Montréal

Joey Saputo was the very first president of the Montreal Impact soccer team in 1992. At that time, the Saputo Group owned the team completely. In 1999, the club was sold to a group of other owners.

However, in 2002, the team became a non-profit organization. Joey Saputo was very important in bringing the club back to life and returned as its president. He then led the building of Saputo Stadium, which became the team's new home. The stadium opened on May 19, 2008, in Olympic Park, Montreal.

By 2007, Joey Saputo left the Saputo Group to focus entirely on the Impact soccer team. In 2012, he helped the club join Major League Soccer, which is a top professional league. He also oversaw the expansion of Saputo Stadium. Under his leadership, professional soccer became very popular in Quebec. The Impact team won three championships and two Canadian championships. They even reached the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League. In 2021, the team changed its name to CF Montréal.

Becoming Chairman of Bologna

Joey Saputo is the main owner of a group that bought the Italian soccer club Bologna on October 15, 2014. He was chosen to be the next chairman of the club on November 17, 2014. He officially took over the role on December 22, 2014.

Other Business Activities

Besides his work with Saputo Group and CF Montréal, Joey Saputo also helps manage his family's investments. These investments are grouped under a company called Jolina Capital. This company manages assets and often owns a majority of shares in other businesses. These businesses are in different areas like food, transportation, wood, and real estate.

Joey Saputo is also on the board of directors for TransForce. This is a Canadian company that deals with transport and logistics. He has been an independent director there since 1996.

Giving Back to the Community

Joey Saputo is very involved in helping the community in Montreal. He serves on the boards of several important organizations:

• The Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre Foundation, which supports a children's hospital.
• PROCURE, an organization that works to prevent and cure prostate cancer.
• The Italian-Canadian Community Foundation. His father moved from Montelepre, Sicily, in the 1950s.