Francesco Pugliese joins Crai as executive adviser
Francesco Pugliese joins Crai as executive adviser
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Crai is strengthening its transformation journey with the appointment of Francesco Pugliese as executive adviser.
The manager—one of the best-known figures in Italian large-scale retail—will put his experience in the consumer goods sector at the group's management's disposal, contributing to theanalysis of the main market scenarios and the definition of strategic priorities.
Pugliese brings with him a CV built over more than thirty years in the sector, including a period at Barilla before joining Conad, where he served as general manager from 2004 and then as chief executive officer from 2011 to 2023. Under his leadership, the consortium's revenue grew from approximately 6,4 to more than 20 billion euros, a journey also marked by the acquisition, in 2019, of Auchan's Italian operations—more than 1.600 stores, including hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores.
According to Crai, the combination of expertise gained throughout the entire supply chain—from distribution to industry, as well as knowledge of local areas and entrepreneurial dynamics—will help expand the group's ability to interpret the changes under way in a rapidly evolving retail market.
Pugliese's arrival forms part of CraiFutura's strategic plan, the industrial plan launched in 2022 with the aim of transforming the group from a consortium into a single company, equipped with a defined commercial model for its affiliated entrepreneurs. In recent years, the plan has already led to growth in system-wide revenue—reaching 3,2 billion euros in 2025, with a stated target of 4-4,5 billion by 2027 —and to the launch of new convenience formats such as CraiGo and Tuttigiorni.
The operation just announced therefore marks a further step in consolidating the group's governance, at a time when Crai is seeking to extend its reach into new business segments as well, from energy services to telecommunications. The news was announced directly by Crai on its social media channels, with a welcome message addressed to the new executive adviser.
This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.
