Natuzzi Americas names Fernando Di Gaetano president

Ray Allegrezza -- Furniture Today, October 12, 2012

Fernando Di Gaetano

HIGH POINT — Leather upholstery major Natuzzi Americas has announced that Joseph Mussallem, who has been its president since early 2010, has left the company.

He has been replaced by Fernando Di Gaetano, who brings 25 years of corporate experience with a number of global companies including IBM and Italian fashion consortium Ermenegildo Zegna.

Commenting on the changes, Pasquale Natuzzi, corporate CEO and president of Italy-based Natuzzi Group, said, "I am so sorry to see Joe leaving the company but I am sure that his 20 years with Natuzzi serving in various positions will provide him with huge opportunities in his future professional development. We thank Joe for the wonderful contributions and outstanding dedication to our company."

Natuzzi added, "At the same time, we are fortunate to have a professional of Di Gaetano's caliber step in to manage the company's growing brand portfolio."

In his previous posts, Di Gaetano was involved in branding, fashion, corporate structure and financials - all elements that will help him expand the Natuzzi brands in the U.S., the company said.

Di Gaetano, who will reside in the United States, said, "I am thrilled to be joining the Natuzzi team of professionals and am excited about the opportunity to take advantage of every opportunity to broaden and strengthen the Natuzzi brands here in the United States."