Cavanna was born in Vipiteno (BZ) in 1940. After graduating in Mechanical Engineering in 1966 at University of Genova, Cavanna begins his career at Industria Gas Butano and in 1970 he joins Agip of ENI. He becomes Director of Production and Development of offshore plants in Libya, General Manager of activities in Egypt and Senior Vice President for Africa, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia. From 2000 to 2005 he is Deputy Chief Operating Officer of ENI for Exploration and Production activities.
He joins Edison in 2007 as Director of Exploration and Production unit. Currently he is Senior Advisor.
He is married and father of three children.