Guala Closures names new CEO

Italy-based Guala Closures has appointed the former managing director of Campari Group’s US arm, Mauro Caneschi, as its new CEO.

He will take over from Gabriele Del Torchio, who will remain in his role as chairman of the council and work alongside Caneschi.

Since Del Torchio’s appointment two years ago as CEO and chairman for Guala, he has led the group to ‘significant success’, including ‘improving operational efficiencies and expanding its international manufacturing facilities’ and ‘strengthening its presence in the luxury segment’ by creating a division dedicated to high-end closures.

Caneschi will be tasked with ensuring that Guala continues to be the leading producer of specialty closures for spirits, wine, water and other beverages.

“It is a real privilege to be leading Guala Closures, a highly performing organisation across several international markets with a strong leadership position,” he said. 

”I am greatly looking forward to further internationalising the business through both organic and potential M&A growth’’. 

At Campari and other senior international positions he’s held over the years, Caneschi has built a strong reputation for ‘developing people, building brands and growing international businesses, as well as having responsibility for strategic acquisitions and integration’.

He is also said to have ‘significant expertise’ in Guala Closures’ end-markets and the ability to ‘integrate and accelerate complex and international businesses’.

Chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board at Investindustrial, which acquired Guala in April 2021, commented on the appointment: “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.”

This change follows on from last year’s news, when the Italian company revealed plans to open a £36m ‘superfactory’.