Gavino Giovanni Marras studied Economics and Commerce at the University of Genoa in Italy and graduated with a degree in economics. He later supplemented his knowledge with specialist training in marketing and design thinking methods.
With more than 15 years of leadership experience in global companies such as Danone, Angelini Pharma, Nike, Mars and Reckitt Benckiser, he has developed into a specialist in strategic business transformation. In these companies, he consistently achieved measurable results through innovative approaches to complex business challenges and drove revenue growth through advanced commercial strategies, excellent sales management and operational optimisations.
As General Manager of Espo&Cartotec, a leading European shopper marketing company, he successfully led the transformation of the organisation with full P&L responsibility and implemented performance management systems that led to significant improvements in key business metrics and EBITDA. His expertise in strategic planning and implementation proved crucial in repositioning brands in highly competitive markets.
For several years now, he has been working as a strategic consultant, supporting C-suite executives and board members of multinational companies, SMEs and start-ups in developing innovation roadmaps and business transformation strategies. His consulting services improve innovation success rates and create measurable added value in the consumer goods and retail sectors.
Gavino Giovanni combines analytical precision with creative problem-solving through design thinking methods, identifies growth opportunities in unclear contexts and develops comprehensive solutions that align strategic visions with practical implementation. His forward-looking approach to business innovation, particularly in the use of new technologies such as AI and advanced analytics, makes him a valuable strategic partner for companies seeking to achieve sustainable competitive advantages.
- Degree in Economics and Commerce (University of Genoa/Italy)
- Specialized Training in Strategic Marketing and Advertising (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan/Italy)
- Professional Certification in Design Thinking and Service Design (PoliDesign, Milano/Italy)
- Advanced Training in Innovation as well as User Research & Interaction Design (IDEO and Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF))
- Certification in Advanced Marketing Communications (American Marketing Association)
- Board & Management Consulting
- Management Consultant in the field of strategy consulting, innovation and marketing.
- Successful combination of new business model development, business and service design, marketing, sales, agile project management, design thinking and anthropological skills.
- Collaboration with multinational companies, SMEs and start-ups.
- Management Consultant in the field of strategy consulting, innovation and marketing; successful combination of new business model development, business and service design, marketing, sales, agile project management, design thinking and anthropological skills; collaboration with multinational companies, SMEs and start-ups.
- Business Transformation Architect at Proxima, development of a new 4P positioning (purpose, planet, people, profit), strategic consulting for B2B and retail communication projects.
- General Manager at Espo&Cartotec, responsible for €30 million in sales and over 100 employees at a European market leader for display solutions, significant increase in EBITDA, introduction of design thinking and VR design management, establishment of a new production facility and optimisation of procurement processes.
- Business Development Director at Arti Grafiche Reggiane, strategic repositioning of group companies in the printing and packaging sector in Europe, development of value creation strategies to improve gross margins for portfolio companies.
- Head of Trade Marketing at Angelini Pharma, Leading the strategic transformation from a pharmaceutical manufacturer to the healthcare sector, managing and revitalising the iconic brands Amuchina and Infasil, increasing EBITDA through targeted marketing initiatives.
- Head of National Field Salesforce & Modern Trade at Danone, leading the merger of the dairy and baby food divisions, coordinating a national sales team of 60, strategic relationship management with top national and international customers.
- National Sales & Category Manager at MARS for snacks and pet food, developing growth strategies in the pet food sector, optimising the commercial strategy for the snack portfolio.
- Category Manager at RECKITT, leading performance improvements and market share growth.
- Equipment Sales Manager at NIKE, increasing market share through portfolio optimisation and a new channel strategy.
Cycling, mountain hiking, traveling, reading (avid reader), music appreciation (all genres), new technologies, photography, continuous learning, natural curiosity.
