A manager of the
Publitalia-Fininvest group, whose owner was
Silvio Berlusconi, Ghigo entered politics in December 1993, becoming the promoter of
Forza Italia in
Piedmont. Elected to the
Chamber of Deputies in 1994, Ghigo was elected
President of Piedmont in 1995, leading a
center-right coalition. In 2000, Ghigo was re-elected
Governor, defeating
The Olive Tree candidate
Livia Turco, and remained at the head of his region until 2005, when, seeking a third term, he was defeated by
The Union candidate
Mercedes Bresso. In 2006, Ghigo refused the offer to run for
Mayor of Turin, and was instead elected
Senator for
Forza Italia in
Piedmont and held his seat until 2013. == Honours and awards ==