The Natuzzi Group has appointed Aldo Uva (its CEO from 2008-9) to its board of directors, and expects to officially appoint him as CEO next month. Through the remainder of September and before formally assuming the role, Aldo will start engaging with the company’s management team to facilitate an orderly transition, says the Italian upholstery brand.
Natuzzi describes Aldo as "a global CEO and transformational business leader with more than 30 years of executive experience, leading publicly listed, private equity-backed and family-owned companies through strategic repositioning, operational turnaround and sustainable shareholder value creation.
"Throughout his career across the food, consumer durables, furniture, innovation and home appliances sectors he has been entrusted with organisations facing significant strategic and financial challenges. He has built a reputation for combining long-term vision with rigorous execution to restore growth, improve profitability, strengthen cash generation and build organisations capable of sustaining long-term value creation. His leadership experience spans Europe, North and South America, and Asia."
Aldo previously held leadership positions at companies including Incredo, CSM Ingredients, Ferrero, Firmenich, LiveKindly Collective, Nestlé, Sara Lee, Parmalat and Indesit.
He also served as CEO of the Natuzzi Group from May 2008 to March 2009, "giving him direct knowledge of the company’s heritage, brand identity and international positioning".
“I am honoured to join Natuzzi, an iconic Italian brand with a distinctive heritage, global recognition and significant untapped potential,” says Aldo. “I believe that the group has the fundamental strengths to build a successful new chapter and pursue sustainable long-term value creation.
"Our priority now is to turn that potential into improved performance. We intend to unlock the full power of the Natuzzi brand while simplifying the business, streamlining operations and reshaping the group’s cost base with the aim of redirecting resources toward targeted investments in growth, innovation and the future. We also intend to apply rigorous discipline to execution, with a clear focus on profitability, cash generation and the efficient allocation of resources.
"The transformation ahead is expected to require difficult choices, but also speed, focus and the courage to change. Our objectives are clear – to restore competitiveness, build a financially stronger company, return Natuzzi to sustainable and profitable growth, and create lasting value for our shareholders, our customers, consumers, and our people.
"We will pursue performance and efficiency with determination, while fostering a socially sustainable working environment in which people can contribute, grow and take pride in being part of Natuzzi’s future.”
Pasquale Natuzzi, chairman of the board, adds: “I have known Aldo for more than 20 years and have followed his professional achievements with great appreciation throughout that time. I am confident that his extensive international experience has equipped him with the leadership capabilities required to execute with discipline the strategic guidelines approved by the board and help the group restore long-term efficiency and profitability.”
