The former CEO of Bacardi and current Chairman of Diageo and International Consolidated Airlines Group brings his international expertise to strengthen the global leadership of the Italian artisanal gelato group.
Casa Optima, an Italian group active in over 150 countries and owner of eight of the most widespread and respected brands in the artisanal gelato, high-quality pastry, and mixology markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Javier Ferrán as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Javier Ferrán, who previously held the role of CEO at Bacardi, is currently Chairman of Diageo, a publicly traded global leader in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages, and of International Consolidated Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and other major airlines.
"The market in which Casa Optima operates presents excellent medium and long-term growth opportunities," said Javier Ferrán. "Casa Optima is a leading, well-managed group, outperforming the market both in terms of growth and margins. I see great opportunities, both organic and inorganic, for future growth and further consolidation of the market."
"We are thrilled to welcome Javier Ferrán to our Board as Chairman. He will join an already highly motivated and high-performing team, and his contribution will be an invaluable opportunity for us to further strengthen our international expansion plans and M&A projects in our core markets and new adjacent strategic markets," added Francesco Fattori, CEO of Casa Optima.
"Javier’s appointment marks a crucial milestone in Casa Optima’s growth journey, following our investment," concluded Antonio di Lorenzo, Partner at Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP, the company's shareholder. "His vision and leadership will provide a strategic boost to the company’s ability to fully capitalise on the numerous future expansion opportunities. Under Javier and Francesco’s leadership, the company is ready to embark on a new and exciting chapter of success."
With Ferrán’s appointment as Chairman of the Board, Casa Optima is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in the market and to seize new growth opportunities, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.