QVC Promotes Paolo Penati to Lead QVC Italy
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (November 18, 2015) – QVC, the global leader in video and ecommerce retail, today announced the appointment of Paolo Penati to market leader of QVC Italy. Penati will be responsible for overseeing QVC’s operations and growth in Italy, succeeding Gregg Bertoni, who has led QVC Italy since January 2014. This role will leverage Penati’s experience and leadership in the Italian market. He will report to Steve Hofmann, EVP of International for QVC. Bertoni will become the president and CEO of CNR Mall, QVC’s joint venture with China National Radio, where he will continue to build the business’s growth in China.
“Since its launch in 2010, QVC Italy has become the market’s leader in video and ecommerce retail and generated consistent revenue growth,” said Hofmann. “During this time, Paolo has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and inspire teams, has strengthened the QVC brand and has the right experience to build our brand awareness, drive growth of our customer base and contribute to and execute our enterprise strategy.”
Penati previously served as CFO and vice president of merchandising, planning and programming for QVC Italy. He joined QVC Italy in 2010 to lead finance and subsequently added responsibilities for distribution, customer service and merchandising, programming and planning. Prior to joining QVC, Penati was the CEO of La Gardenia, a chain of perfumeries, and before that, the CEO of Blockbuster Italia.
“As QVC continues to expand, we are implementing a more global approach to operating our business that leverages our worldwide strengths and capabilities to position us for future growth,” said QVC president and CEO Mike George. “Paolo’s breadth of experience in leading successful teams and strengthening brand awareness combined with his knowledge of the Italian retail industry will position QVC Italy for continued success.”
