The significant impact of Italian business in Victoria was highlighted at an event hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in Melbourne.
At the event, held in Port Melbourne, the ICCI outlined a new program of activities, events and masterclasses that will soon be available to the public, continuing Italy’s great legacy of unparalleled innovation and creativity.
The ICCI’s executive committee met last week for their annual elections, the results of which resulted in significant changes in the structure of the executive committee.
The new president of the ICCI, Lou Farinotti, was unanimously elected.
Farinotti is a lawyer and senior partner at the legal firm, Holding Redlich.
Farinotti has been a member of the committee for several years, and was inspired by his daughter Louise, who founded – together with colleagues - the association ALTO, which is dedicated to supporting young Italo-Australians across Victoria and South Australia.
Accompanying Farinotti on his new adventure are vice-presidents: Luca Scribani Rossi, the outgoing president and managing director of Beretta Australia; and Domenic Dastoli, the director of real-estate company Melbourne Commercial Group. Robert Papaleo, who works at Colliers Residential Melbourne, will continue in his role as treasurer.
“Luca Scribani Rossi recently made the decision to explore a new role with Beretta Australia,” Farinotti said.
“He will be working in both Italy and Australia, which motivated his decision to step out of the president’s role, though he will continue his career at the ICCI.
“I was asked if I was interested in the position, and fortunately the entire committee voted me in unanimously.
“I am genuinely proud and enthusiastic: it will be a year characterised by new beginnings.”
New trade routes and cultural exchanges could soon fan the flames of a strategic partnership between the state government of Victoria and the ICCI in Melbourne, though the new president asserts that “nothing is finalised yet”.
The new committee also consists of: Michelle Greco, general manager of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation; Adrian Logiudice, from the Teren Group; Elvio Brianese, from the Liminal Studio; Michael Lenton, from Leonardo; Kevin Flynn, of Stellantis; Lou Caldararo, from IMCD Australia; and Pina Palumbieri, who is an executive manager in the Coles Group.
“We’re confident that this committee has the extensive commercial experience necessary to develop the ICCI’s presence in both global and local trade, strategic planning and e-commerce,” Farinotti said.
“We’re focused on including more and more women in our executive tier, as historically it’s always been a bit of a boys’ club.
“We’re committed to making that change in our own organisation going forward as well as supporting women within the ICCI.”
