Alessi and Birn+Partners partnership

Alessi’s heritage

Alessi is a family business established in 1921 in Omegna, Northern Italy. It started as a workshop for processing brass and nickel silver sheet, with a foundry and is now recognized as one of the leading internationally renowned Italian Design Factories. The Alessi universe is made up of more than three hundred designers from all over the world and has produced thousands of products for the home over the decades, many of which have become icons of contemporary design.

In recent years the family looked for a partner who believed in the company, recognized its value and intended to work together to guarantee a future in continuity with its successful history and bring a substantial contribution to the company in terms of momentum and openness, especially with respect to international markets. This path led to formally concluding with a partnership agreement with the English fund Oakley Capital. Currently Alessi is owned 51% by the Oakley Capital Fund and 49% by the Alessi family.

After more than 30 years, the company's COO is retiring. This event is both a cause for concern and an opportunity to introduce change.

Finding the right successor

The departing COO is highly regarded by both top management and the Alessi family, as well as the entire team he leads. He embodies the history of the company, and it is believed that someone from outside Alessi would struggle to fill his legacy. Therefore, his replacement must possess skills to honor the past while inspiring others and be capable of managing the priorities of the fund and those of the Alessi family.

A tailored executive search starts

Recognizing the delicate balance needed, Birn+Partners initiated a comprehensive search strategy, developed in close collaboration with Alessi's leadership and HRD, to find the ideal COO candidate. This strategy was marked by several key phases:

1. Stakeholder alignment: Through in-depth interviews with Alessi family members, Oakley Capital representatives, the CEO, and other key leaders, Birn+Partners condensed the essential qualities and competencies required for the new COO.
2. Competency mapping: Insightful surveys within the COO's team showed the organisational culture and the specific blend of skills required to lead Alessi’s operations effectively.
3. Candidate search and selection: A targeted search, presenting a carefully evaluated shortlist of candidates with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Each offering a unique perspective on leadership that could complement Alessi's visions and ambitions.
4. Comprehensive evaluation: Through in-depth interviews and assessments involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, Birn+Partners ensured the final candidate embodied the ideal mix of respect for tradition and forward-looking vision.

A unifying transition

The appointment of the new COO marked a significant milestone for Alessi. The leader's blend of qualities perfectly aligns with Alessi's values, and the strategic direction anticipated by both the family and the Oakley Capital Fund.

To ensure full success to the new Leader Alessi’s HR Director in accordance with the Top Management agreed to offer the new COO the Birn+Partners Onboarding Program, FIRST100, that will support him for the first three months in his new professional challenge.

We are proud to be a part of the Alessi’s organisational success and look forward to our continued collaboration as Trusted Advisors.

Photo credits: Mattia Balsamini