GUALA Closures, a producer of closures for spirits, wines, water and beverages, has announced that Gabriele Del Torchio, currently chairman and CEO, will remain as chairman with effect in September 2023 and Mauro Caneschi will join as CEO.
Gabriele Del Torchio was appointed chairman and CEO in April 2021 when the group was acquired by an investment company of Investindustrial VII L.P.
During this period, Guala said he has led the ‘successful growth and strong business performance’. This includes improved operational efficiencies and expansion of its international manufacturing facilities; a strong focus on R&D differentiating its products and product expansion focusing on premiumisation; strengthening its presence in the luxury segment with the establishment of a division dedicated to luxury closures, consolidating the successful acquisition of Labrenta in July 2022; and significant sales and EBITDA growth.
These changes were agreed at the outset of Gabriele Del Torchio’s appointment.
Mauro Caneschi joins from Campari Group, where he first led the southern Europe, Middle East and Africa business unit before creating and managing the Americas operation, Campari Group’s largest division. He had previously held international positions at Heineken, Scottish & Newcastle and Danone Group.
Guala said he has ‘significant expertise’ in the company’s end-markets and an ability to ‘integrate and accelerate complex and international businesses’.
Andrea C. Bonomi, chairman of the industrial advisory board at Investindustrial, said, “Investindustrial has had the privilege of working with Gabriele as chairman and CEO over many years in a number of the firm’s portfolio companies including Ducati, Snai, Design Holding and Guala Closures. We can fully attest to his significant contribution to the success, strategic direction and growth of these businesses. He is a first-class leader, and we are delighted that Guala Closures will continue to benefit from his significant experience and counsel as chairman.
“We would also like to welcome Mauro Caneschi as CEO who has an impressive track record of growing international businesses and a keen vision and ambition. We look forward to working with him over the coming years.”
Gabriele Del Torchio added, “Mauro Caneschi is a highly talented individual, and I am very pleased he is joining Guala Closures as CEO to lead the group in its next phase of growth. He has a significant understanding of Guala Closures’ end-markets thereby enabling the group to continually improve its client-led focus. He also has a demonstrable ability to substantially enhance operational efficiencies across complex business structures and drive performance. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to the board.”
Mauro Caneschi commented, “It is a real privilege to be leading Guala Closures, a highly performing organisation across several international markets with a strong leadership position. I am greatly looking forward to further internationalising the business through both organic and potential M&A growth.
“In addition, maintaining a strong client and R&D focus will be critical as we seek to continually innovate and position ourselves as the leading producer of speciality closures for spirits, wine, water and other beverages. I am excited about this opportunity and very keen to be working alongside Gabriele Del Torchio and Investindustrial to deliver substantial value growth in the coming years.”
The changes follow other senior management appointments including a new CFO, the MD of Labrenta and the business development manager spirits, announced in July.
