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History

Nourishing a centennial legacy of creativity and resourcefulness

From aircraft factories to factories of ideas: buoyed by a century of great entrepreneurial challenges, we are among Europe's most long-lived communication players.

Bearer of a model of creative enterprise that transcends sectors and eras, the creative legacy of the Pomilio family dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, and continues up to the present day – traversing diverse fields including aviation, the chemical and food industries, and even the Olympics.

With a cosmopolitan vocation that began in Italy and which touched the United States, South America, and today the Euro-Mediterranean region, the family's entrepreneurial history notably foresaw Pomilio Blumm's present international presence.

Likewise, the family's cultural and aesthetic sensibilities were the premise for Pomilio Blumm's future commitment to the arts and creativity, which still survives today in the shape of the Pomilio Blumm Prize project, and in our innovative approach to art as a 'secret lab' through which new languages may be explored.

1910

The idea of flight – taking off to greater heights

In the early 1900s, the aircraft factory by Ottorino Pomilio began production in Turin as a supplier to the Royal House of Savoy. Soon after, the innovative prototypes designed by Corradino D'Ascanio, the inventor of 'Vespa,' drew the attention of the U.S. and of the Wright brothers, leading to the founding of the 'Airplane Pomilio Brothers' in Indianapolis, the United States.

1920

The invention of alternative paper – sustainability ante litteram

In 1920, Ottorino and Umberto Pomilio founded 'Pomilio Electrochemistry' in Naples, and lodged a patent for the 'Pomilio Process,' an innovative procedure for the extraction of cellulose from grain and straw. Thanks to its minimal environmental and economic impacts, the procedure spread rapidly across Europe and South America.

1930 - 1950

The challenge of industry – fine liqueur and social responsibility

In 1927, Amedeo Pomilio founded the Aurum distillery, which produced the eponymous sweet liqueur made from oranges. The famous poet Gabriele D'Annunzio coined the name of the liqueur, while renowned modernist architect Giovanni Michelucci designed the innovative horseshoe-shaped factory complete with huge windows – so employees would be able to benefit from the increased amount of sunlight.

1960 - 1980

The enterprise of advertising – a pioneering venture

Pomilio Idee – which later became Pomilio Blumm – was founded by Oscar and Gabriele Pomilio in 1963 during advertising's 'golden era,' and it rapidly grew to become a key-player on the Italian landscape, with prestigious companies such as the Sangemini group, Ferrarelle bottled-water, and the famous pasta manufacturer De Cecco, among its main clients.

1980 - 1990

The vision of 'one world' – exploring new markets

In 1980, Pomilio Blumm merged with the P&T Company advertising group and expanded its client portfolio to include high-end brands such as Alfa Romeo and Corriere della Sera. With the establishment of Ameen-Blumm – the first Italian-Arabian partnership in the advertising sector – and The Bridge, established in Dubai, the company began exploring new markets on the international stage.

1990 - 2010

The focus on citizen communication – from corporations to institutions

Equipped with a bold vision and a systemic shift to the avant-garde, Pomilio Blumm began focusing on the public sector and its new 'citizen-oriented' approach. The UEN network was founded during this period, with innovative campaigns developed for major Italian Public Administration clients such as INPS, ISTAT, and INAIL – alongside prestigious corporate clients including Trenitalia.

2010 - 2020

The idea of a 'worldwide' Europe – promoting EU citizenship and values

The agency continues to hone its expertise within the field of public communication, and has begun working with primary European Union institutions, ranging from the EU Parliament and European Commission, to several EU agencies and DGs, towards promoting European values and programmes by addressing highly sensitive issues such as migration and health management.

Today

The Ultra European idea – humanism and robotics

UEN-Pomilio Blumm's revenue now stands at 703 million euros, and it is currently ranked the world's leading institutional communication group. International assignments from beyond the EU's borders have increased, and the company continues to improve and refine its signature cross-cultural and multidisciplinary approach by investing in digital humanism and innovative research.

Livio Pomilio

Progenitor and pioneer

The Pomilios' familial and entrepreneurial histories originated with Livio, a highly accomplished civil architect, and the progenitor of the Pomilio line. A man who was ahead of his time, he provided his nine sons with advanced scientific and technical training, and exposed them to experiences beyond Italy's borders – a practice that was quite uncommon at the time.

Ottorino Pomilio

Brilliant ideas and entrepreneurial spirit

Ottorino was a visionary engineer who ventured into the world of aviation by producing airplanes both in Italy and the U.S. He published a highly valued treaty on airplane construction in 1918, and also corresponded with the Wright brothers. Alongside brother Umberto, a talented chemist, he developed the revolutionary 'Pomilio Process' for paper production.

Amedeo Pomilio

The enlightened industrialist

Amedeo was an enlightened and forward-looking industrialist who not only founded the Aurum factory, but also created a real entourage of artists around it – from the great poet Gabriele D'Annunzio to the famous illustrator Marcello Dudovich. One of the region's primary entrepreneurial figures, Amedeo was also the first president of the Industrial Association of Abruzzo.

Mario Pomilio

Literature and politics

Mario was a renowned post-war writer and essayist, and the author of many books including the dystopian novel Il Nuovo Corso. A Member of the European Parliament, he earned the appreciation of the then-President of the Republic, Francesco Cossiga, who described him as 'a brilliant writer, with a deep respect for European spirituality'.

Oscar Pomilio

The founder of Pomilio Idee

In 1963, Oscar, together with his brother Gabriele, created 'Pomilio Idee,' the first advertising agency in the region. His entrepreneurial and ethical vocations enabled the company to become a major Italian player, and facilitated its expansion in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere on the international market. Oscar was also President of P&T Company Blumm and the creator of the free press magazine 'Blumm'.

Gabriele Pomilio

From advertising to the Olympics, an all-round creative talent

A talented advertiser, sportsman, and entrepreneur, Gabriele was a pioneer in the field of graphic design. Together with his brother Oscar, he created more than 300 corporate advertising campaigns. A water polo enthusiast, he was the technical director of the national 'Settebello' water polo team, leading Italy to victory at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Franco Pomilio

Leading the company into a new era

President of Pomilio Blumm and founder of the UEN network, Franco graduated in the U.S.A., specialising in marketing at Harvard, MIT, and Insead (Singapore). Under his leadership, the company has grown to become a major international firm within the field of institutional communication. He is the author of several books, including Comunicazione 3.0, and A Rhino in Brussels.

Massimo Pomilio

Critical international project management

The Managing Director of Pomilio Blumm, Massimo, who holds a Master's in International Marketing, is the project manager of several international projects. He has served as a national advisor for the Italian Association of Advertising Professionals, and his passion for cinema earned him the 1992 Philip Morris Award, as well as a prize at the prestigious Flaiano Festival.

Andrea Pomilio

The very next generation

Andrea is EU Project Director at Pomilio Blumm, and, as Director of the company's office in Brussels, she continues her work of endorsing EU values. Prior to this, she promoted the 'Made in Italy' branding initiative in Dubai. She holds a BA degree in Business and Creative Writing from Kingston University, London; and MA degrees from Harvard University, INSEAD, and the Parsons School of Design.