Paolo Giani Cei was born in Turin, where he earned a master's degree in economic theory. Since 2008, he has worked as assistant to Stefano Poda, helping to direct productions and create sets, costumes and lighting all over the world. At the 77th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival, he was selected to serve as the dramaturg in the production of Tristan und Isolde conducted by Zubin Mehta. In 2014, his production of Madama Butterfly was premiered at the Teatro Verdi in Padua.