PADOVA, Italy—The board of directors of the Sàfilo Group (SFL.MI), chaired by Vittorio Tabacchi, today appointed Roberto Vedovotto as the company’s new chief executive officer. In addition, Claudio Gottardi has resigned as a member of the group's board of directors, while maintaining his position as CEO of Sàfilo USA. Massimiliano Tabacchi has assumed the position of Safilo Group's executive vice chairman, and will continue to supervise the group and oversee its strategic direction.

“Roberto Vedovotto has an extensive knowledge of Sàfilo, proven experience in our market sector, and an important managerial and financial profile,” said Vittorio Tabacchi. “I am convinced that he is the right person to achieve the group’s strategic goals in accordance with the direction undertaken by the company and with the aim of creating value in the medium to long term.”

Vedovotto was CEO of Sàfilo Group from 2002 to 2006 and oversaw the financial restructuring of the group and its successive listing on the Italian Stock Market. He has returned to Sàfilo after having spent two years at Lehman Brothers, most recently as head of investment banking in Italy based in Nomura, Italy. Vedovotto, who also spent 11 years at Morgan Stanley, will report directly to Massimiliano Tabacchi and the board.