After six and a half years brothers Domenico and Marco Lopresti have stood down from their role as joint CEOs of Gelatissimo, only to be replaced by an original member of the brand’s family, Filipe Barbosa.
It seemed fitting that Barbosa replace the Lopresti brothers, considering he has been with the gourmet ice cream company since it was established 11 years ago.
“I have been with Gelatissimo in various capacities since its inception and feel proud to have been chosen to lead the Gelatissimo family into the next chapter of its development,” he told Franchising.
Barbosa has witnessed the brand’s growth first hand from one outlet in Sydney’s CBD to an international business with more than 40 stores.
“We chose Filipe because he understands the heritage of the business; where we have come from, what we stand for, and how that needs to be taken into the future,” said co-owner Stanley Roth.
“We are confident that Filipe has the management and leadership skills to guide Gelatissimo through the next phase of its Australian and international growth.”
Barbosa said the new role will see him focus on continuing to grow the brand both within Australia and abroad.
“I will be heading up a solid team lead by a stable and committed senior management group who are 100 percent behind the brand and its ongoing expansion.
“Plus I will be working with our network of Australian and international franchisees and master Franchisees who are all committed to the brand and its continued development.”
Both Barbosa and Roth assure the Gelatissimo brand will remain relatively unchanged, with Barbosa expected to pick up from where the Lopresti brothers left off.
“At this time the core direction for the company will remain the same; making authentic artisan gelato made fresh in store,” Barbosa said.
“We want to reassure Gelatissimo employees, franchisees and customers that our commitment to producing the finest artisan gelato is unchanged and it will be business as usual under Filipe’s stewardship,” added Roth.
The outgoing CEOs told Franchising out of respect for Barbosa, they will not be involved with Gelatissimo in the future.
“It would not be fair to our successor for us to remain involved in Gelatissimo. We have been at the helm for six and a half years and the time is right to hand this wonderful business over to the next leader without our interference.”
The pair has thoroughly enjoyed their time with brand, and feel it is time to move on and pursue other interests.
“Our time at Gelatissimo has been the most exciting and fulfilling of our lives, but we think it is the right time for the company to introduce new leadership,” Domenico said.
“Marco and I joined the business when it was just a newborn, but our baby has grown and is now standing, confident and strong. Like all good parents, we know when it is time to let go.”
They have no immediate plans for the future, however it is likely they will remain in the industry. “Right now we are focused on a smooth and orderly handover to the acting CEO,” they said.
“As for our future, in the short term we will be spending some time out with our families, and travelling. However, food is our passion, so in the long term we are more than likely to remain in the F&B industry in some capacity.”