Completing a leadership shake-up, Italian spirits producer Campari welcomes Francesco Meli as its new CFO.
Melli will take over this position from Paolo Marchesini, who will move to the position of Vice Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Marchesini, who joined Campari nearly three decades ago, has also been appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Directors.
Melly, 56, is set to work closely with Simon Hunt, the new CEO and industry veteran who joined Campari Blend in January. Milley will oversee the global finance, IT and business services functions while Hunt will directly manage the global supply chain.
The new CFO, who was previously IT Director at Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italy’s economic development bank, brings a wealth of industry experience to Campari just as the sixth-largest player in the global spirits market reaches a critical juncture. US tariffs reduce profit margins, and anti-dumping duties imposed by China on European brandy imports threaten profitability. As if these pressures were not enough, global demand for alcoholic beverages is tepid.
Marchesini’s tenure was marked by 40 business acquisitions. However, Milley is expected to take a different path.
Hunt’s program focuses on cost management, pricing accuracy, and simplifying the brand portfolio. Home to 50 premium brands, Campari has been reorganized into four core divisions: House of Cognac, House of Aperitifs, House of Whiskeys and House of Agave. The aim is to trim non-core brands and focus resources on the company’s core products – Aperol, Campari, Grand Marnier, Courvoisier, Wild Turkey, Appleton Estate and Espolon Tequila – to ensure they shine in 190 markets.
