The Last Look…
Posted by Colin Lambert. Last updated: October 31, 2024
This was going to be something about platforms, but sadly, our industry has been struck by another tragedy in the passing of Giovanni Pillitteri, at just 52, who died in a climbing accident last weekend.
I first met Gio towards the end of his time at Deutsche Bank, before he moved onto Citi and Morgan Stanley, in senior e-trading roles, before following his passion for technology into the non-bank market making side with first GTS, then HC Technologies. He was bubbly, enthusiastic, funny and always happy to have a chat.
We did not always see eye-to-eye on everything, especially the role of non-bank market makers, but you will not be surprised to hear that the conversations were always respectful, friendly and fun – I can only hope that Gio felt the same from his side. The room for differing opinions is what makes our industry so great, and having Gio on several panels in my time only reinforced the sense that here was a man cl
early on top of his game, but who was willing, indeed eager, to listen to others’ views.
Gio would always be willing to have a quick chat if I needed some clarification on a technical detail or two, and I have found in the last couple of days that it was not only me that he helped out so much. It is clear from the messages I have received that not only was he kind and thoughtful, he was always there to help with a guiding hand and a word of two. There are many of you out there who credit Gio with giving them not only a start in e-FX, but being a tutor and mentor as well.
It is testament to Gio’s drive and enthusiasm that he was still taking on huge mountains at the age of 52, and it is only of the smallest solace that he died doing something he loved. Like so many of you, I am still in shock after this awful accident, but wanted to at least attempt to highlight the respect and affection Gio was held in by so many in the FX business.
It seems inadequate to merely offer our condolences to Gio’s wife and daughter, but it’s the best we can do at this time.
Vale Gio, you were one of the best, and you will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace.
