gategroup names Federico Germani as Chief Commercial Officer

SWITZERLAND. Federico Germani (pictured) has joined gategroup as Chief Commercial Officer, based in Zürich. He reports to CEO Xavier Rossinyol* and replaces Peter Wilander in the role.

Germani’s role involves overseeing the Commercial Management team as well as account management of gategroup’s global customers. The remit also incorporates the Retail on Board Business and a new Customer Experience function.

The company noted: “Incorporating Retail on Board to the Commercial area will enable gategroup to provide a unified commercial approach to the airlines which are increasingly adopting a combination of catering and retail solutions. It will also ensure a unique understanding of the consumer needs, both of retail and catering, by leveraging on consumer analytics and business intelligence.”

Germani has more than 14 years of experience in the LATAM Group where he held the position of Corporate Senior Vice-President for Services & Innovation. In this capacity, he was responsible for all services for LATAM customers globally, including call centres, airport operations above and below the wing, airport retail ticket sales, service on board, catering and duty free.

gategroup CEO Xavier Rossinyol said: “Federico brings to gategroup a unique understanding of the differential value that an airline can deliver for its passengers through catering and retail solutions – and of how much it can benefit from them.

“Through these organisational changes under Federico’s leadership, we want to further reinforce our focus on the consumer at the centre of our commercial strategy and accelerate the development of the most innovative products and services. I would also like to thank Peter Wilander for his outstanding contribution to our commercial strategy and for the great development the commercial team has witnessed under his leadership.”

Germani added: “gategroup is the leading player when it comes to driving innovation both in the airline catering sector and retail on board. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of our airline customers by leveraging the strong innovation and execution capabilities of gategroup”.

*Xavier Rossinyol will be a speaker at The Trinity Forum 2017, co-organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, ACI World and ACI Asia-Pacific, to be held in Bangkok on 1-3 November. Latest details can be found here.

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