The Consulate of Italy in Detroit is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher M. Caputo as the Honorary Consul of Italy to the State of Tennessee. In this esteemed role, Mr. Caputo will work closely with the Italian government to strengthen and expand Italy's economic, cultural, and diplomatic footprint in Tennessee.
"The appointment of Christopher Caputo as Honorary Consul reaffirms the Italian government's commitment to fostering strong business and cultural ties in Tennessee," said Consul Allegra Baistrocchi. "His deep connection to Italy, his professional proficiency, and his passion for promoting Italian excellence will greatly benefit our ongoing efforts. And these aren't just words. We are concretely putting together a game plan to bring more Italy in Tennessee... and more Tennessee in Italy!"
The new position of Honorary Consul will be instrumental in promoting Italian business interests, facilitating collaborations between Italy and key public and private stakeholders in Tennessee. Mr. Caputo's efforts will further enhance the already strong but ever-growing economic relationship between Italy and the state, particularly in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace.
Mr. Caputo noted, "Companies like Beretta and most of the companies involved in the Italian ceramics industry have already found a second home here in Tennessee. In the coming years, there is a massive opportunity for increased commercial ties between Italy and the state, including in the automotive and aerospace markets. At the same time, we would like to enhance Tennesseans' understanding and awareness of modern Italy and its technical competencies while embracing the rich cultural patrimony that Italy has offered the world for centuries."
Mr. Caputo, a shareholder at Baker Donelson, brings extensive experience in international business law, with a focus on supporting Italian companies as they establish and expand operations in the United States. As co-chair of Baker Donelson's Construction Group and leader of the Firm's Manufacturing Initiative, he has provided strategic guidance to multinational corporations navigating the complexities of the U.S. market. His work has been instrumental in facilitating Italian investments across the Southeast, making him uniquely positioned to advance Italy's interests in Tennessee.
A dual citizen of Italy and the United States, Mr. Caputo is fluent in Italian and actively engaged in Italy's economic and cultural spheres. He divides his time between Tennessee and Torino, Italy, as well as operating an olive oil business in Umbria. His involvement with the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy further highlights his commitment to advancing Italy-U.S. relations.
The Consulate of Italy in Detroit looks forward to working with Mr. Caputo in his new capacity and is confident that his leadership will further enrich the bonds between Italy and Tennessee, creating new opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.