Gianni Picco worked for some 20 years (1973-92) at the United Nations. He led the task force which secured the cease-fire agreement between Iran and Iraq in 1988.

From 1988 to 1992 he conducted the operation which led to the release of 11 western hostages in Lebanon and the recovery of the remains of two more, as well as the identification of some Israeli MIAs in Lebanon and the release of Lebanese detained without due process by Israel. He was also a member of the negotiating team on the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Since 1994 he has been a consultant to private companies on matters of political risks and critical infrastructure protection.