The Natuzzi Group has appointed former CEO, Aldo Uva, to its board of directors, with the Italian upholstery brand expecting to formally name him chief executive next month.
Uva, who previously led Natuzzi between May 2008 and March 2009, will begin working with the company’s management team during the remainder of September to support a smooth transition ahead of formally taking up the CEO position.
Natuzzi describes Uva as a global business leader with more than three decades of executive experience across publicly listed, private equity-backed and family-owned businesses. His career has spanned food, consumer goods, furniture, innovation and home appliances, with senior roles focused on strategic transformation, operational turnaround and long-term value creation.
His previous positions include leadership roles at Incredo, CSM Ingredients, Ferrero, Firmenich, LiveKindly Collective, Nestlé, Sara Lee, Parmalat and Indesit.
According to Natuzzi, Uva has worked across Europe, North and South America and Asia, and has been brought in with a mandate centred on restoring growth, improving profitability, strengthening cash generation and simplifying the business.
His previous tenure at Natuzzi also gives him first-hand knowledge of the company, its heritage and brand, as well as its international market positioning.
“I am honoured to join Natuzzi, an iconic Italian brand with a distinctive heritage, global recognition and significant untapped potential,” says Uva.
“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 towards 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.”
