Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I built my experience as a global executive by defining strategy and vision to drive business growth, supported by strong management capabilities in B2B markets within the Automotive, Energy Storage, and Industrial sectors.
I have extensive expertise in leading multicultural teams with a strong leadership approach. I believe success comes through motivating people to achieve high standards, nurturing a passion for customers and service, and fostering a flexible mindset when building relationships.
I began my career in Russia and China in the telecommunications sector as a Project Manager at Italtel. I later moved to the United States, where I worked as a Project Manager in the high-precision machine tool industry for Landis Gear.
In 1998, I joined FIAMM, a global leader in the production and distribution of automotive components, industrial batteries, and energy storage systems.
In February 2017, I joined Hitachi, a global leader offering a wide range of innovative products, including electronic materials, automotive components, and energy-storage systems.
Throughout my career, I have held executive roles in Italy and abroad, opening new markets, strengthening partnerships, and driving “local for local” strategies. My specializations include P&L and FCF management, working-capital optimization, ROI improvement, and organizational transformation across multi-business and multi-plant environments.
Since early 2023, I have been General Manager and a Board Member of L.E.G.O., a market leader in the book industry producing over 100 million books per year, combining long-standing craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing technologies.

Q2. What role do you see AI and predictive analytics playing in forecasting demand, reducing waste, or optimizing production planning?

AI and predictive analytics (PA) are significantly transforming how demand forecasting is conducted.
•    Demand Forecasting: by leveraging historical data together with external variables (seasonality, consumer trends, etc.), AI and PA improve the accuracy of both market and customer demand forecasts.
•    Waste Reduction: By better managing volume forecasts through AI, companies can optimize inventory levels—including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods—aligning production more closely with market and customer requirements.
•    Production Planning: AI-driven dynamic planning helps reduce downtime and improve delivery performance. This leads to leaner operations, cost savings, and a positive contribution to sustainability goals.

Q3. How are sustainability expectations from publishers evolving, and what innovations are emerging around eco-friendly inks, materials, and carbon-neutral production?

Publishers are increasingly demanding clear sustainability metrics and certifications (e.g., FSC, PEFC, ISO 14001, EUDR). As a result, the entire supply chain is required to:
•    Use water-based and/or vegetable-based inks (eco-friendly alternatives)
•    Source paper exclusively from certified suppliers (EUDR compliance)
•    Invest in renewable energy to support carbon-neutral production initiatives

Q4. How would you map the market split between long-run, short-run, micro-run, and on-demand production, and what trends have influenced those shares in recent years?

•    Long-run production is declining due to the need to reduce inventory levels and minimize the risk of obsolescence.
•    Short-run and micro-run production is growing thanks to the increased flexibility offered by digital printing.
•    On-demand production (POD) is expanding rapidly, driven by e-commerce and supported by digital printing technologies, as well as the industry’s focus on minimizing inventory.

Q5. Which emerging market segments or product categories within the print and publishing ecosystem are showing the strongest potential for growth?

•    Personalized publishing: custom books, photobooks, educational materials.
•    Packaging: particularly sustainable packaging with high-quality print.
•    Industrial printing: including textiles and decorative applications (e.g., drip-off finishes).

Q6. When you look at the competitive landscape today, what types of players are shaping the direction of the print and publishing ecosystem—both traditional and emerging?

•    Traditional printers/binders: large-scale operators and publishers transitioning toward digital workflows.
•    Emerging printers/binders: niche, boutique businesses offering specialized services.
•    Technology-driven players: digital and POD (print-on-demand) platforms leading the shift toward automation and short-run efficiency.

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

I would ask:
•    How are you leveraging technology and sustainability to future-proof your business model?
•    Additionally, I would evaluate the importance of a short supply chain—for instance, selling and distributing books close to the production site (“local for local”).
Regarding specifically book production (educational, art, legal, comics, religious), I would also ask:
•    How do you assess the quality and competitiveness of digital printing compared with traditional offset technology?