Metro Italia has appointed David Martínez Fontano (pictured) as its new Chief Executive Officer and member of the group’s commercial committee. Martínez Fontano, who has extensive experience with the Italian market from a previous four-year stint in a logistics firm, will now be responsible for consolidating the company’s position as a market leader and key partner in the Horeca sector. His focus will be on advancing the 2030 Strategy, with particular emphasis on multichannel retailing, digital innovation, private label development, and strengthening local supply chains.
Martínez Fontano first joined the group in 2010 as Customer Management Director at Makro Spain, later moving to Metro Germany in 2012. Following his Italian experience, he rejoined Metro in November 2018 as Sales & Operations Director at Makro Spain, before taking on the role of CEO of Makro Spain in October 2021. In this role, he successfully led the company through a period of significant transformation and growth. He succeeds Arnoud J. van Wingerde as CEO of Metro Italia.
“I am both excited and honored to assume the role of CEO at Metro Italia,” Martínez Fontano stated. “With years of experience within Metro, I am eager to continue my journey in Italy, one of the group’s most dynamic markets. My goal is to strengthen our role as a leading partner in the Horeca sector by advancing multichannel strategies, celebrating Italian gastronomic excellence, and fostering our team’s growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team to navigate future challenges and seize the opportunities within the Italian market.” Martínez Fontano will report to Nicholas Gautheron, Executive Vice President Cluster West at Metro AG.