About Us
Giovanni Feroce - Chairman and CEO
Giovanni Feroce is a distinguished American businessman, investor, and former U.S. Army officer whose disciplined leadership has driven exceptional success across military, political, and corporate sectors. As Chairman and CEO of Palm Beach Equity Partners, he leads with a results-driven philosophy focused on maximizing returns while safeguarding investor capital.
Military and Public Service
Feroce began his leadership journey in the U.S. Army. In 1986, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve after high school and completed basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He then completed Army ROTC at the University of Rhode Island and was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer at age 20, one of the youngest in U.S. history. A combat veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, he retired as a Field Grade Officer in 2010.
He served as Ground Operations Officer and Interagency Liaison at U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), where he broke new ground as the first USCENTCOM liaison to six U.S. government agencies—including the CIA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security. His military experience instilled the operational discipline and mission clarity that defines his business leadership today.
Political Leadership
At just 24, Feroce became the youngest state senator in the nation, serving in the Rhode Island Senate. Later, as Commissioner of the Rhode Island State Lottery, he was credited with increasing lottery revenues from $58 million to $456 million in under two years—an unprecedented fiscal achievement that showcased his ability to drive efficiency and scale.
Corporate Transformation
Feroce is perhaps best known for transforming Alex and Ani from a modest jewelry company into a globally recognized lifestyle brand. As CEO and Chief Marketing Officer, he led the company from $2.2 million to over $400 million in revenue in just four years. His strategic leadership directly contributed to an enterprise valuation surpassing $1 billion and established Alex and Ani as one of the fastest-growing mid-size companies in U.S. history.
Palm Beach Equity Partners
Through Palm Beach Equity Partners, Feroce applies his proven leadership model to a portfolio of diversified holdings in technology, consumer goods, fashion, hospitality, and real estate. PBEP’s investment strategy combines centralized strategic oversight with decentralized operational autonomy, enabling portfolio companies to thrive under experienced guidance without losing their unique entrepreneurial edge.
Education and Recognition
Feroce earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
His military education includes
- United States Army Infantry Center: Infantry Officer Basic Course (OBC), Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and Basic Training
- United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School: Civil Affairs Officers Advance Course (CAOC)
- Defense Information School, Fort Meade, MD: Public Affairs Officers Advanced Course (PAOC)
- United States Army North (ARNORTH): Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) Phase I and Phase II Certificate
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): IS-700 Certificate – National Incident Management System
- FEMA: IS-800 Certificate – National Response Framework
- National Defense University: Certificate in Interagency Transformation and After-Action Review Program; member of the first-ever class on Interagency Operations, specifically during wartime
He has received honorary doctorates from both the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College in recognition of his distinguished contributions to business, public service, and national defense.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Feroce has consistently emphasized giving back to the community as part of his leadership philosophy, aligning with the principles of the triple bottom line—balancing economic success with social and environmental responsibility. As CEO of Alex and Ani, he helped shape a business model that integrated philanthropy into day-to-day operations, promoting charitable partnerships and cause marketing initiatives designed to benefit both local and national organizations.
He has supported numerous civic and cultural institutions, particularly in Rhode Island, and was recognized for his leadership with the Italian-American of the Year Award by the Da Vinci Center. Under his guidance, companies such as Alex and Ani emphasizedf sustainable growth, community engagement, and socially conscious branding, positioning corporate responsibility as a strategic pillar.
Feroce has also been honored with multiple awards and honorary doctorates in recognition of both his business success and his focus on creating broader positive impact through enterprise.
Associates
Our Team Members seamlessly plug in to ensure maximum coordination and information flow. Instantly upgrade your confidence that every attention to detail is infused with the discipline and execution required for success.