Professional Background
Current Role
Giancarlo Bruni is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Co-Founder of Heroes, an e-commerce company focused on acquiring, operating, and scaling baby, juvenile, and maternity brands. Heroes can originate, diligence, and complete transactions in as little as 30 days and has grown to over 35 brands and 120 employees in just over two years. The company operates globally through various channels including online marketplaces, direct-to-consumer webshops, and a worldwide retail distribution network.
In February 2023, under his leadership, Heroes successfully acquired the ride-on suitcase brand Trunki, further expanding their portfolio in the children’s travel market. This acquisition taps into the recovering airline travel market post-COVID and supports Trunki’s growth, particularly in the North American and European markets.
Previous Experience
Before his tenure at Heroes, Giancarlo Bruni held significant positions in the finance industry:
- Head of Corporate Finance at Liberty Latin America (January 2018 - October 2020)
- Director, Corporate Finance at Liberty Global (April 2015 - December 2017)
- Associate, Acquisition & Leveraged Finance at Nomura International plc (July 2011 - November 2014)
Education
Giancarlo Bruni possesses a Master of Science in Finance from Università Commerciale 'Luigi Bocconi', and also holds a degree from The University of Manchester.
Key Achievements and Activities
- Co-founded Heroes in 2020 along with his brothers Riccardo and Alessio Bruni.
- Played a pivotal role in raising a $200 million credit facility for Heroes in 2021, enabling the company's next phase of growth.
- Instrumental in overseeing the smooth acquisition process of Trunki, ensuring flexibility and completion on agreed terms, which aligns with Heroes' vision of supporting quality UK manufacturing and expanding its vertical integration.
Organizational Structure
Giancarlo Bruni reports to Riccardo Bruni, a Co-Founder of Heroes. His direct reports include Rupert Morton, the Group Financial Controller. He collaborates closely with other key team members including Ivett Mezey (Head of Logistics), Maria Galofre (Head of Branding & Content), and Al Zucker (General Counsel).
Recent News and Developments
A significant recent development highlighted by Giancarlo on LinkedIn dated September 1, 2021, is the announcement of Heroes securing a $200 million credit facility aimed at propelling the company’s growth.
In February 2023, the acquisition of Trunki, a renowned children’s travel brand, was completed under his financial leadership, reinforcing Heroes’ stronghold in the children’s product market and supporting Trunki’s ambitious future growth plans.
Conclusion
Giancarlo Bruni is a seasoned financial leader with a robust background in corporate finance and strategic acquisitions. His role as CFO and Co-Founder of Heroes positions him as a key player in the company's aggressive growth strategy and market expansion, particularly in the baby, juvenile, and maternity brand sectors. His efforts in securing significant financial backing and seamless execution of acquisitions underscore his capacity to drive substantial business value and organizational growth.
For further details on Giancarlo Bruni, his professional engagements can be traced through his LinkedIn profile [here](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/giancarlo-bruni-42992549).
