2019 AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS

What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry? 
After starting my career in fast-moving consumer goods doing marketing with Procter & Gamble I switched to automotive as a sales administration manager at commercial vehicle maker Iveco. I’m always looking for new challenges and the automotive sector provides lots of them.

Your greatest achievement? 
Professionally, it is what I have managed to achieve at UFI Filters. In 2015 I was named OE [original equipment] supply chain director of the EMEA region [Europe, Middle East and Africa]. I came into the role with fresh eyes and a different mindset because all my previous experience was in sales and marketing. After 12 months we significantly improved our service level, reduced transport costs by 12 percent and increased our inventory rotation by 14 percent. That success earned me and my team a promotion to head of the global supply chain. We have managed to achieve similar success on a global level. We did this by energizing the team, putting key players in the right positions and executing with passion. While I am grateful for my professional success in my career, my greatest personal achievement is raising my son.

What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
I haven’t experienced any big failures, but there have been instances when I didn’t reach my full potential. When I was running my own company and helping to organize Italy’s 150th anniversary celebration we had a great vision but we didn’t reach our potential because we lacked the funds to invest in communication. This taught me the importance of strategic planning. Today my initiatives always are a combination of vision, strategy and the daily execution of tasks. 

What is your current challenge at work? 
Keeping pace with global market trends, which have been frenetic because of the shift to electrification and the trade war between China and the U.S. Fortunately, one of my favorite mottos is: “A new challenge every day.”

What about the auto industry surprises you?
The speed and complexity of this dynamic business. Automotive is at the cutting edge of technology, but we face tougher cost constraints than other sectors. We have to provide the best technology at a competitive price.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Never be afraid of obstacles and push the bar a little bit higher every day. The only way to succeed is by striving to get the best from yourself and your team.

What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
If you want to be successful you need to have a passion for continuous learning. The market is evolving rapidly so you have to adapt to the new technology and tools.

What job do you really want to have in the future?
I am open to new challenges as long as they contribute to my personal development and help the company development further. There also has to be an acceptable work-life balance. 

What do you do to relax?
I like to spend time doing things that my son is passionate about, such as golfing together. It’s really great. 

What is your pet peeve?
I dislike people who are reluctant to evolve and who don’t accept change. They miss out on the opportunities and improvements that innovation brings. 

What was your first car?
A Peugeot 206 that I got when I was 18. I still remember it fondly. 

Current car?
A diesel BMW 5 series. 

If you were a car, which one would you be?
A BMW 5-series diesel because it offers performance and speed when you need it while still having plenty of room for my loved ones or my team.