Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has been selected by the Board of Directors to become Rotary International’s President for 2025-26. Arezzo will become President on 1 July.
Outgoing President, Rotarian Stephanie Urchick said that her successor’s ‘dedication to Rotary values and vision for a better world make him a remarkable choice to lead us forward’.
The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of RI President-Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June.
Guided by the RI code and policies, the Board selected the new President-Elect from a pool of candidates who were considered by the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in August 2023.
The 2025-26 presidential message, announced at the 2025 Rotary International Assembly in February, will remain Unite for Good, which calls on Rotary members to be a force for unity in a world increasingly divided by politics, geography, and ideology. Through service projects, Rotary brings together people of every background — across races, religions, and professions — in a shared mission to do good in their communities.
Arezzo is an orthodontist in private practice. He is active internationally as a member of the Italian, European, and American orthodontics associations. He is Vice President of the National Association of Italian Dentists for the province of Ragusa and was the founder and head for seven years of the delegation for Ragusa of the National Trust for Italy. He is a Knight of Honor and Devotion in Obedience within the Sovereign Order of Malta.
A Rotary member for more than 30 years, Arezzo has served as Vice Chair of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee and as RI Director, Learning Facilitator, and as District Conference Presidential representative.
Arezzo is a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.
He is married to Anna Maria Criscione, an entrepreneur in the tourism field. They have two children.
Urchick’s message read: ‘In moments of change the strength and resilience of our Rotary family shine brightest. Following the unexpected resignation of Mário César Martins de Camargo, the Rotary International Board moved swiftly and thoughtfully, in accordance with our bylaws, to ensure continuity in our mission and leadership.
‘I am proud to share that Francesco Arezzo of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy has accepted the nomination to serve as Rotary International President for 2025–26.
‘Francesco Arezzo has been a member of Rotary for more than 30 years and is a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.
‘His dedication to Rotary values and vision for a better world make him a remarkable choice to lead us forward.
‘This transition reminds us that Rotary is more than any one individual — it is a global movement, deeply rooted in fellowship and service, capable of adapting and thriving no matter the challenge.
‘Now is the time to Unite for Good under Francesco’s leadership, and together we will propel Rotary into a future defined by hope, action, and community’.