7.1 Executive Roles and Titles
Italian companies typically appoint executives such as:
- Amministratore Delegato (CEO) – Chief executive with delegated powers
- Direttore Generale – General manager overseeing operations
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Responsible for financial strategy and reporting
- Board Chair (Presidente) – Leads board meetings and governance oversight.
Titles and roles vary by company size and structure. In S.r.l.s, executive roles may be held by directors or external managers.
7.2 Compensation Structures
Executive compensation typically includes:
- Fixed salary
- Performance bonuses
- Stock participation plans, options or equity (mainly in S.p.A.s)
- Benefits such as company car, supplementary pension, life and health insurance
Compensation must be approved by shareholders or the board, and disclosed in financial statements for listed companies.
7.3 Performance Evaluation
Performance is assessed based on KPIs such as revenue growth, profitability, compliance, and strategic execution. Listed companies often use formal evaluation frameworks and publish remuneration reports. Private companies may rely on informal reviews or shareholder oversight.
7.4 Regulatory and Tax Considerations
Executive pay is subject to income tax and social security contributions. Excessive compensation may trigger scrutiny under anti-abuse rules. For listed companies, CONSOB requires detailed disclosure of executive remuneration and related-party transactions.