Marco Cazzaniga: turning a passion for technology into a lifelong journey

A passion that dates back to the beginning

Marco Cazzaniga is a true technology enthusiast. From a young age, he followed his passion for electronics and computer science, starting with technical studies that led him to immerse himself in the world of telecommunications. The turning point came in 1985, when, during the historic snowstorm of the century in Milan and Monza, he received a job offer from General Telephone and Electronics (GTE), a leading American multinational in the industry.

From Italy to the world: the early years at Italtel

With the acquisition of GTE Italy by Siemens and its subsequent transition to Italtel, Marco embarked on a journey that would lead him to unique professional experiences. He started as a testing technician, soon becoming involved in high-impact projects, such as the construction of a telephone exchange in Kenya in just 20 days. This experience led him to meet, during the inauguration of the exchange, the then President of the Italian Republic, Francesco Cossiga, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giulio Andreotti. Upon returning to Italy, he received the gold medal from the CEO of GTE as a recognition for his dedication to the success of the mission.

In the 1990s, his work took him all over Italy, from Puglia to Valle d’Aosta, overseeing the installation and testing of systems, such as the Italtel UT Line, which contributed to the digitalization of the country. It was a period of great growth, where he experienced firsthand the rapid evolution of telecommunications.

International experiences and major challenges

Marco’s career expanded internationally in the late 1990s, when he was sent to Spain to oversee the deployment of a local operator’s network, an experience that enriched him both professionally and culturally.

The journey continued in countries such as Sweden, Poland, France, Dubai, and Brazil, where he led complex projects. In 2004, for example, he launched the network deployment project for one of Brazil’s leading operators: 6 POP (Points of Presence) for the national network. ‘Each challenge was an opportunity to learn and grow,’ Marco recalls. During this time, he became the Head of Technical Support for International Operations for Italtel’s proprietary products. From 2010 onwards, he also managed operations in Italy, including OLOs (alternative Telco operators to the incumbent Telecom Italia).

Family and new balances

After years of traveling, Marco slows down the pace to focus on a new project: his family. He marries a colleague, and in 2014, their son is born. Thanks to the support of his family and the use of smart working, he manages to effectively balance work and personal life.

‘The decision to start a family was the best choice of my life,’ he says.

New challenges: Security, Training, and young people

In 2025, Marco faces new challenges, this time on the front lines of corporate certifications: today, he is also responsible for the Information Security Management System (ISMS) and oversees the certifications required for managing Italtel’s Security Operations Center (SOC) in Milan, at Caldera Park. His role brings him into collaboration with various company functions, such as HR, Compliance, Legal, Facility, and Procurement, to ensure the security of information—an increasingly critical topic for businesses, especially in the technology sector.

However, there is one aspect of his work that is particularly close to his heart: the training of new generations.

‘Transferring knowledge is essential,’ he says. ‘Just like my first supervisor did for me.’

For Marco, what makes Italtel unique is its culture of sharing and its focus on people.

‘Here, the relationship among colleagues goes beyond just work, and that’s the true strength of our corporate culture,’ he concludes.

For those entering the world of technology today, Marco has one clear piece of advice: passion is everything. It’s what drove him to spend entire nights solving problems and always finding the best solutions to meet client expectations.

Conclusion

With over 35 years of experience, Marco Cazzaniga embodies the values of innovation, resilience, and collaboration that have always defined Italtel. His journey demonstrates that success is not only about technical skills, but also about the ability to build relationships based on trust and cooperation. Ultimately, true professional growth is the one that is shared with others.