Dr Alberto Recordati FKC

We were deeply saddened to share that Dr Alberto Recordati FKC passed away in December 2024.

Alberto was a long-time supporter of King’s. He will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humour, and contribution to cancer care across the world.

Academic adventures at King’s

Alberto’s academic journey began with a degree in Biochemistry, followed by a PhD at the Biomedical Department of Charing Cross Hospital Medical School.

One of our university’s most successful alumni, Alberto went on to receive a Fellowship of King’s College (FKC).

‘King’s gave me a solid scientific grounding, which stood me in good stead for my career. I feel proud that I was able to contribute to my grandfather’s business,’ Alberto commented (InTouch, Autumn 2018).

Following in the family footsteps

In 1984, Alberto joined his family business, Recordati SpA (founded by his grandfather, Giovanni Recordati, nearly 100 years ago). From humble beginnings, the company rose to international acclaim, selling products in 135 countries and employing over 2,100 people at the time of sale.

Alberto began as a researcher in the biochemistry laboratories and became Head of the Planning and Product Development Office three years later. After that, he held several senior positions within the company. His work included co-ordinating Recordati’s ‘drug discovery’ and ‘drug development’ activities. In 2016, he was appointed Chairman.

Under Alberto’s leadership, the Recordati company pioneered treatment into rare diseases that were often overlooked by the pharmaceutical industry. He helped shape the company into a multinational pharmaceutical group, directing €1 million per year towards philanthropy.

Transforming cancer care through philanthropy

Much of Alberto’s life was dedicated to discovering new treatments for cancer and funding crucial care for patients across the world.

Highlights include facilitating the Dr Alberto Recordati Surgical Data Science Programme at King’s. This groundbreaking initiative brings together experts from the San Raffaele Hospital in Italy, King’s College London, and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Combining their shared expertise in translational medicine, these talented teams are finding new and innovative ways to tackle cancer and explore new avenues of cancer research.

Alberto also funded a world-first Phase 1 clinical trial, which aims to fight prostate cancer through the power of the immune system. If successful, this trial could make a significant difference to people impacted by prostate cancer across the world.

A particular and unique man

As well as nurturing a lifelong passion for science, Alberto was equally drawn to art and beauty.

Alberto’s daughter, Lavinia, recalls: ‘My dad was a very particular and unique man, with many different interests. He loved music and opera. Throughout most of our childhood, we woke up with him singing opera in the bathroom. He had an amazing voice. Nothing gave him peace like walking in his beloved and personally curated garden with his dogs (who were always named after opera characters).

‘Above all, he had an incredible sense of humour. He always found it hilarious how easily I believed whatever he said. When I had just started working in the family office, I was talking to him about my interest in impact investing and sustainability. Then, one day – completely out of the blue – he casually told me, with a perfectly straight face, that we had invested in grenades. I was stunned. He was so convincing, so effortlessly deadpan, that part of me thought it might be true.

‘Just to be sure, I went to Emanuele Frigerio from our family office and asked. When dad found out I had gone to double-check, he was in absolute disbelief. We laughed about it for ages.’

Though no longer with us, Alberto’s legacy lives on. He has made an indelible mark on our King’s community and our thoughts are with his friends, family and loved ones.

We would like to thank Lavinia Recordati for providing the details for this obituary.