Natuzzi Group COO Resigns

December 19, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on December 20, 2010 Umberto Bedini, chief operations officer for Natuzzi Group, (NYSE: NTZ) has resigned to take a sabbatical citing family reasons.

Bedini has been COO of the company for almost two years.

"It is with great regret and sad emotion that I resigned from Natuzzi," Bedini said. "I take this opportunity to thank all colleagues for the availability and support they always provided me with. I thank all the members of the board of directors and shareholders for the esteem and understanding demonstrated to me. A special thanks goes to the chairman and CEO and to his family -- of which I grew fond during these two years of permanence in this extraordinary company -- for the great professional and personal experience they offered me and my family. From my side, I hope I have given a small contribution in order to put the basis for the re-launch of the company. A re-launch that I am sure will arrive very soon as a result of the new strategies."

Giuseppe Clemente will take over the position of COO of Natuzzi Group. Giuseppe, joined Natuzzi more than 16 years ago, and has gained additional responsibilities.

He started as quality plant manager, then as plant director. In January 2006 he held the position as logistics manager until January 2009 when he was appointed Italy manufacturing director. In addition, Clemente has been collaborating with Bedini over the last two years on a reorganization and introduction within the operations process.

"I respect Umberto's decision and I thank him for the passion and professionalism with which he has covered the position of chief operations officer during these two years," said Pasquale Natuzzi, chairman. "In line with the company decision to give value to the human resources present in the group and to recognize the professional skills achieved in all these years, I have decided to appoint Giuseppe Clemente as Chief Operations Officer of the group who will also maintain an interim the position of Italy manufacturing director".