Growing up in Italy, Antonio began his career in the investment banking industry back in 2004, joining the teams of Morgan Stanley and Lazard. After his time in investment banking, he spent 7 years (2007-2014) in Permira, a pan European private equity fund mainly responsible for investment in the consumer sector. One of the largest Antonio’s focus during his time in Permira was the management of the Valentino/Hugo Boss investment made by the fund. In addition, he was also seated in the board of directors of the company. 

In June 2014, Antonio moved to the US where he started gaining more exposure to the US market, particularly to the retail industry of North America.

Antonio’s first experience in the US was with LensCrafters as Senior Director of Finance. There, he rapidly moved in the organization, covering different roles, in particular in the operation department with focus on the customer experience. In June 2016, he was appointed VP of Store Operations with Sunglass hut. He is currently responsible for directing and developing the short-term and long-term operating plans and tactical execution for Sunglass Hut stores.  As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, his major duties and responsibilities are:

• Developing realistic sales targets by studying past performance and anticipating future opportunities and challenges. Develops and continuously improves plans to deliver or exceed these targets.

• Leading initiatives to improve expense controls and management.

• Leads and develops communication of initiatives to the field and stores.

• Ensuring that the stores operate in the most efficient and effective way to ensure a sales and customer service focus. Also ensures that stores are in compliance with all company policies and procedures.

• Translates corporate goals including financial returns, sales growth and market share, into brand level business plans. Assess field capability and establish performance priorities at brand level.

• Providing oversight to store operations, ensuring that team is focused appropriately, and delivering to the needs of the stores. Provides leadership through coaching, direct feedback and support of individual development plans for direct reports

• Maintaining strategic partnerships and drives joint initiatives with the corporate divisions: Stores, Customer Service, IT, Marketing, Merchandising and Operations programs through integration and teamwork across all disciplines including the Brand team.

• Working closely with Human Resources to establish appropriate training and identify the development needs to ensure continued growth of associates at all levels, as well as their engagement and retention.

• Working in conjunction with Store Construction and Maintenance to deliver highest quality of the build out, relocation, remodel and maintenance of stores while optimizing costs.

• Supporting/leading cross-brand learning and sharing opportunities leading to improved business results and operational efficiencies. 

When not working on the Sunglass Hut team, Antonio likes to train hard to cross the finish line of the Ironman races (2.4 miles swim, 112 miles ride and 26.2 miles run) and enjoys spending time with his wife, three kids, Emanuele, Elisabetta and Eleonora and his dog Marshall.

Antonio holds a degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan (Italy).