In conversation with GIUSEPPE ORLANDO
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Giuseppe Orlando
Italian training and international vision come together in the career path of Giuseppe Orlando, APAC CFO at Marcolin, who today leads the region with the mission of promoting Italian style and craftsmanship across Asian markets. We spoke with him to explore the challenges and projects shaping one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-evolving regions.
From your global experience, what defines the Asia-Pacific market today, and what financial strengths drive success?
«The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most complex and rapidly evolving in the world, a mosaic of mature markets with tighter margins in Northern Asia, and fast-growing economies in Southeast Asia. To succeed, you need to combine global discipline with local agility, acting simultaneously as strategist and risk manager. At Marcolin Asia, we have developed a Commercial Finance function designed to drive pricing excellence, capital efficiency, and positive cash growth. Through real-time analysis and cost-optimization initiatives, we’re able to balance resilience and expansion – as shown, for instance, by the success of the bold investment decisions we made during the pandemic, what I like to call “formative risks”, which are now paying off. The real differentiator lies in turning volatility into opportunity: aligning global priorities with local realities and enabling the company to do more with less».
How does Marcolin Asia’s finance division contribute to shaping the brand’s long-term strategy?
«Today, the CFO is no longer just a backstage manager but a strategic player in business decision-making. At Marcolin Asia, the Finance function is fully integrated across all departments, collaborating with Commercial, Marketing, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Customer Service. Externally, Finance also acts as a corporate ambassador, engaging directly with clients, distributors, suppliers, and financial institutions to foster transparent and sustainable partnerships. More recently, we’ve involved customers in joint strategic investments, demonstrating how disciplined collaboration and shared investment can drive growth without compromising governance and financial rigor».
What are Marcolin’s short- and medium-term goals in Asia?
«Marcolin enters 2026 with a solid structure and renewed momentum. The addition of ic! berlin strengthens our luxury portfolio and reinforces our presence in Asia, opening new growth opportunities in China, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In the short- and medium-term, the company will continue to manage its resources prudently, protecting profitability and improving cash generation, while pursuing steady, long-term growth built on trust and transparency».
