Meet Andrea Demichelis

Andrea Demichelis has always been a man of numbers, but his journey at Fedrigoni turned out to be much more than just figures and spreadsheets. In the Fedrigoni Milan office, Andrea embarked on a journey that would redefine his career and life. His story is of rapid growth, cultural adaptation, and relentless pursuit of excellence, transitioning from his finance role in Milan to a key player in South America’s dynamic market. 

A Journey of Growth and Resilience at Fedrigoni 

Nearly three years ago, Andrea joined Fedrigoni, diving headfirst into the world of financial controlling: “The first months were intense and filled with learning. They enabled me to quickly understand the fast dynamics inside Fedrigoni and have a rapid adaptation”. This period was not just about numbers; it was about building relationships and gaining insights into the company’s operations.  

In January 2023, Andrea’s journey took a significant turn when he was offered the role of Head of Finance for South America, based in Chile. The decision was not easy. Moving to a new continent, stepping away from familiar rhythms, adapting to a different culture, and managing a diverse team across multiple countries offered substantial challenges. But Andrea saw it as an opportunity for growth, both professionally and personally. 

Arriving in Chile, Andrea was amazed by the contrast between the fast-paced environment of Milan and the more relaxed, culturally rich atmosphere of South America. The local businesses were smaller, and the market dynamics were vastly different. Yet, this new setting offered Andrea a chance to make a significant impact. He was tasked with restructuring the finance processes across South America, a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly. 

Managing teams in different countries, each with its unique culture and market conditions, required adaptability and a deep understanding of local nuances. Andrea found himself not just crunching numbers but also engaging with people, understanding their needs, and helping them navigate through complex situations. 

Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers 

One of Andrea’s key achievements in Chile has been fostering collaboration across diverse teams and cultures. He worked closely with Augusto, the General Manager for South America, to align the local operations with Fedrigoni’s global standards. This involved restructuring financial processes, supporting commercial functions, and ensuring seamless communication across different countries and cultures. Whether it was working with the commercial team to push certain initiatives or coordinating with procurement during cash flow crunches, Andrea’s ability to bring people together and drive collective success stood out.  

Despite the challenges, Andrea thrived in his new role. The support from his colleagues, both in South America and back in Italy, was constant. “People have been incredibly helpful, assisting me not also in finding a new home and in improving my Spanish”. From navigating bureaucratic hurdles to finding a place to live, the Fedrigoni team was there every step of the way. This sense of community and support made the transition smoother and more enjoyable 

Andrea’s journey at Fedrigoni is about stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and finding success through teamwork and adaptability.