From Sales & Marketing Manager to CEO: Matteo Galbignani’s promotion to head of Seri-Art is a natural and valuable progression. Matteo, 42, has been the new CEO of our company for several weeks now. He succeeds his father Valter, who founded Seri-Art in 1966 and alongside whom he grew up, in a long journey that began when he was a child and has now led him to the top of the company. Here is an interview with the new CEO, in the spirit of tradition and innovation.

Matteo, how did the process unfold and what did becoming CEO mean to you?

‘Taking on the role of CEO was an important step, which was discussed and agreed upon recently. After 15 years of working in the company, it seemed a natural transition, in line with the plan my father always had in mind. Being CEO involves many responsibilities and duties, but it is also an opportunity to carry on the business with the values and passion that my father instilled from the beginning, almost six decades ago.’

Tell us briefly about your professional career.

I had my first experience in 2008, after graduating in Economics and Business Management from the University of Parma. Before joining the company, I worked in a consulting firm to gain external experience; then in 2009, Seri-Art became my workplace… and more. It has been an extremely formative 15 years.

What aspects of the company created by your father do you want to maintain?

“From day one, I have tried to move with care and discretion, seeking to find my place with dedication and respect for the existing roles. The main challenge has been to make my colleagues appreciate me not only as “the boss’s son”, but as someone who can add value. There are some fundamental values, such as passion and respect, that Valter has passed on to me and that I intend to maintain.”

Innovation is also essential.

‘Absolutely: it is important to continue innovating, following a path that has been started with profit and satisfaction. In recent years, for example, we have invested in new technologies such as large format digital printing, upgrading machinery in the industrial screen printing department and achieving ISO 9001 certification. This is the path I want to continue on, to increasingly improve the quality of the process and management control.’

Where do you see Seri-Art in 5 or 10 years?

“In the short term, I see Seri-Art focusing on two main areas: improving the quality process and management control, so that we are ready to welcome customers who demand high quality standards, and focusing on sustainability and environmental impact. We are also working on internationalisation, bringing our screen printing services to countries such as France, Spain and England, and consolidating our presence in Germany, where we already generate around 25% of our turnover.”

What challenges do you think you will face in your new role?

‘The main challenge will be to make everyone understand that innovation and quality improvement are necessary steps to maintain control and ensure the success of the company.’

How do you plan to strike a balance between innovation and tradition?

“We are a small company, so versatility is essential. I don’t think it will be too difficult to maintain Seri-Art’s traditional values while introducing new technologies. The real challenge, however, will be to make our employees understand that this balance is possible, because changing mindsets is always the most difficult thing to accept.”

What will change in the corporate culture under your leadership?

“As I said, passion and dedication remain the pillars of our culture. However, I would like to promote a culture of delegation more. I firmly believe that delegation is a powerful tool for the growth of the company: it allows people to develop their skills, increases productivity and encourages innovation.”

How do you feel about the responsibility of leading the family business?

‘I feel honoured to be able to lead the company that my father built. Valter, however, will become president of Seri-Art.’

What would you like to say to your employees at this time of change?

‘Many of our employees have known me since I was a child and used to come to the company for summer jobs. Seeing today that we have built a relationship of mutual respect is a success for me. I want to reassure everyone that Seri-Art will continue to uphold and develop the values that have made us a respected name in the screen printing market after more than 55 years in business.’