Verlinvest, the Brussels-based, global investment group, announces the appointment of Roberto Italia as its new CEO.
Established in 1995 and with approximately Euro 1.6 billion of assets under management, Verlinvest is present in Brussels, London, Singapore and New York.
With over 20 active investments in Asia (particularly in India), North America and Europe, the group focuses on investing behind visionary business leaders to build global, fast-growing consumer businesses and brands, particularly in the food and beverages, digital and healthcare sectors. Verlinvest’s largest portfolio companies to date include Oatly, Vita Coco, Mutti, Hint Water, Sula, Byju’s, Valtech, Toluna and recent exits have featured Chewy.com, Sir Kensington’s, popchips, F&B Asia, Zalando, Lazada, Carrières du Hainaut and Armonea.
Roberto Italia, a former partner at Warburg Pincus and Cinven and co-founder of Space Holding, joins Verlinvest with over 25 years of private equity investment experience in Western Europe, Asia and North America.
Stefan Descheemaeker, chairman of the board of Verlinvest, said: “Verlinvest has built a strong reputation and track record thanks to our flexible investment approach, unique global reach and ability to support ambitious entrepreneurs. With Roberto at the helm of our group, we now aim to accelerate our trajectory and boost our international presence and investment capabilities.”
Eric Melloul, Verlinvest’s managing director, said: “We are thrilled to have Roberto on board. Our team blends well with his leadership and experience and we look forward to pursuing together our ambitious goals.”
Roberto Italia said: “The focus and long-term orientation of its investors, together with the entrepreneurial spirit of its global team, have made Verlinvest over time a distinctive player in a number of areas. I have joined a group of talented professionals and am excited about the substantial opportunity ahead. We can and will do great together.”
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