From Numbers to Innovation: Andrea’s 22-Year Journey of Growth and Collaboration

You've been at Bolton for over two decades! What’s been the most defining moment of your career so far?

Andrea’s career at Bolton began more than two decades ago, and it all started with a deep connection to the numbers that helped shape the company’s success. "I joined Bolton as a controller at Personal Care division," Andrea recalls. "At first, it was all about the numbers, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that the real magic was in the people behind the numbers. The passionate teams driving sales, marketing, and industrial departments were what truly made the difference."

A pivotal moment came when Andrea transitioned to the Holding company and began working closely with the company’s founder. "That was a transformative period," he reflects. "We established a central controlling department and introduced the concept of category P&L, which really helped me build relationships across the company. It wasn’t just about the numbers anymore—it was about understanding every part of the business."

As someone who has transitioned between roles and departments, how has collaboration shaped your career?

Andrea’s diverse experience at Bolton, spanning across Finance & Administration (F&A), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and the Home and Personal Care (HPC) business unit, has taught him the true value of collaboration. "Working in different departments has shown me how essential it is to embrace shared ownership," he shares. Collaboration goes beyond just working together - it’s about creating a culture where everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone contributes to the company’s shared goals. "It’s about moving away from silos and creating a space where we can all bring our strengths to the table," he says. "When teams align, that’s when the real magic happens."

Your role as ICT Governance Manager involves driving innovation. How do you inspire your team to embrace a growth mindset?
“For me, it’s about creating a safe space to experiment and learn,” Andrea explains. “Mistakes are part of growth; they’re where innovation starts. I encourage my team to see challenges as opportunities and to stay curious.” Andrea’s leadership style emphasizes empowerment, creativity, and resilience as pillars for success.

What’s one project or challenge that has brought you the most satisfaction?

One of Andrea’s most memorable achievements was his involvement in the acquisition of Wild Planet Foods. "I’ve been part of several acquisitions, but Wild Planet was particularly special," he reflects. "The US market is vastly different from the markets Bolton is used to, and that presented both challenges and opportunities. We had to find a common ground and align Wild Planet with Bolton’s financial processes while preserving its unique identity. It was a real testament to our ability to adapt and find innovative solutions in diverse business contexts."

The integration of Wild Planet Foods into Bolton was a complex but rewarding journey. Andrea reflects, "It was a process that required patience and understanding, but it ultimately strengthened Bolton’s position in the market and demonstrated our commitment to embracing new challenges. This aligns seamlessly with our Belief Quest to Evolve - a dedication to seeking new ways and perspectives to improve and evolve, moving with agility.” 

The future: what’s next for you and your team?

As Andrea looks to the future, he is focused on continuing to shape Bolton’s digital transformation. "I want to keep pushing for better processes and more innovative solutions," he says. "The goal is to ensure that we are constantly evolving and improving in a way that supports the growth of Bolton and its employees."

For Andrea, leadership is about inspiring others to take on challenges with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. "I want to be the kind of leader who encourages my team to push boundaries and embrace new ideas," he says. "When we work together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve."