Mario Colombo, chairman of Mario Colombo Spa, has passed away on 6 April, at the age of 71. For over 50 years, he dedicated his life to the growth of the company that owns the Italian sportswear brand Colmar.

The historic company was founded in Monza in 1923 and is known as an iconic brand in sportswear and Italian craftsmanship.

Colombo, the grandson of the founder and namesake, was born in Monza on June 21, 1954. After studying at the Catholic University of Milan, he began his career at the family business in 1973, holding operational roles and building a deep understanding of the industry. Between 2000 and 2004, he led Adidas Italia as CEO, an experience that enriched his managerial profile before returning to Colmar in 2005, the year he assumed the presidency.

Colmar began by producing felt hats and gaiters, evolving over the years into technical sportswear. In the 1950s, it outfitted the Italian ski team for the first time at the Oslo Olympics. In the 1970s, during the “Azzurra Avalanche” era, Colmar designed several historic competition outfits for the Sapporo and Innsbruck Olympics and the World Championships in St. Moritz.

Under Colombo’s leadership, Colmar has solidified its international standing, strengthening its ties with the world of sports—and in particular with alpine skiing, a discipline in which the company has been a leading player on the World Cup circuits for decades.

In 2007, together with his cousins Giulio and Carlo, he founded the Colmar Golf line and the Colmar Cup, and in 2011 he became president of the Campo Carlo Magno Golf Club in Madonna di Campiglio, which awarded him honorary citizenship in 2012.

A few months ago Mario Colombo had received the “Giò Ponti” medal, a prestigious recognition awarded by Regione Lombardia to outstanding local enterprises from the hands of Federico Romani, President of the Consiglio Regionale della Lombardia (see picture).

“His vision, integrity, and passion were instrumental in building what we are proud to be,” says a note from the company.

“Beyond his role as a leader, Mario will be remembered for the person he was: approachable, kind, and genuinely attentive to everyone around him. His warmth, his sense of humor, and his ability to make people feel valued left a lasting mark on colleagues, partners, and friends alike. His legacy will continue to inspire us every day.”

The funeral will take place on Friday, April 10, at 10:45 a.m. at Monza Cathedral.