Eataly names fashion exec as CEO for North America ahead of expansion push
Eataly has added a new position in its C-suite as it looks to expand its footprint in North America.
The Italian grocery and restaurant chain has appointed Tommaso Brusò to the newly created role of CEO of North America, effective October 2. He joins the company, which has nine U.S. locations, as it plans to open an additional five stores in North America in the next two years as part of its strategy to open a total of 20 locations in North America over the next five years.
In a release, Eataly said that Brusò has significant senior leadership experience with retail brands, with a strong track record of growth for the brands across North America. He joins Eataly from sustainable essentials clothing brand Colourful Standard (part of RTG Group), where he was group CEO. He was previously global COO for Benetton Group, where he spent a significant period of time in the U.S.
Prior to that, Brusò was CEO of Diesel North America from 2013 to 2017, CEO of Furla Americas from 2008 to 2013, and CEO of Fedon for the United States from 2004 to 2008.
“Given our significant growth ambitions in North America, the CEO North America position is a newly created role,” stated Andrea Cipolloni, group CEO. Eataly. “Tommaso arrives at an important time for the group and will be instrumental to the development and growth of a market of primary importance for Eataly. His role involves close collaboration with the new senior management who have joined the company in recent months.”
Eataly operates spacious Italian marketplaces that sell authentic food items and other products as well as house sit-down restaurants, food and beverage counters, espresso bars and more. The company was acquired by U. K.-based investment firm Investindustrial VII LP in September 2022.
“Living in NYC for many years, I have always been a big fan of this brand, which represents the extraordinary Italian food experience,” said Brusò. “Food together with fashion, are globally recognized as Italian excellences and I believe that my significant experience in the fashion industry will make a strong contribution to taking the Eataly brand to the next level.”
Internationally, Eataly operates 47 stores in 16 countries, including Italy, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Brazil.