Stefano Di Santo Appointed Group CEO of CMC
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Leadership Appointment at CMC
Italian spider lift manufacturer CMC has appointed Stefano Di Santo as group chief executive. He joins the company from Cela, where he has served as chief executive since 2023.
The appointment forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen CMC’s governance structure and support its industrial and international development plans.
Extensive Access and Industrial Background
Stefano Di Santo entered the access industry in early 2006, when Haulotte recruited him as country manager for its Italian subsidiary. After several years in the role, he was promoted to general manager for Southern Europe, before becoming managing director of Haulotte’s telehandler division in mid-2012.
Later that year, Di Santo left Haulotte and the access sector to take on the role of managing director of Fabio Perini, a manufacturer of tissue production machinery specialising in toilet rolls, kitchen rolls, and paper napkins. Fabio Perini operates as part of the international technology group Körber.
International Leadership Roles
After five years at Fabio Perini, Di Santo was appointed to lead Körber Digital in Germany, a startup operation within the Körber Group. He left the role in 2019 to join Italian paper manufacturer Fedrigoni.
Approximately six months later, he moved to Ecospray Technologies, an industrial
machinery manufacturer, where he served as chief executive for two years before becoming a self-employed business advisor.
Return to the Access Sector
In mid-2023, Di Santo worked as an independent advisor to Consilium Private Equity, when the fund acquired a majority stake in Cela. Following completion of the transaction, he was appointed chief executive of Cela, marking his return to the access equipment sector.
Shareholder and Investor Support
Alessandro Mastrogiacomo, speaking on behalf of the shareholder families, welcomed the appointment:
“The appointment of Stefano Di Santo was strongly supported by the Mastrogiacomo and Moretti families. In agreement with Metrika, we have identified him as a figure of great managerial stability, capable of leading CMC into a new phase of growth, strengthening its industrial and strategic positioning in the long term.”
The appointment follows the 2024 appointment of Jeff Poggi as chief executive of CMC North America, and forms part of a wider programme to strengthen governance and accelerate international development.
Marco Giuseppini, chief executive of Metrika, which acquired a majority shareholding in CMC in 2022, added:
“We believe that Stefano Di Santo is the perfect fit for the CMC organisation. His experience and managerial vision will be crucial in supporting the company in its next stages of growth, particularly in terms of international development.”
About CMC
CMC is an Italian manufacturer specialising in spider lifts and compact access platforms, serving construction, maintenance, and industrial markets worldwide. The company is recognised for its compact designs, advanced stabilisation systems, and focus on innovation, with a growing international footprint supported by strategic investment and expanded leadership.
Website: https://www.cmclift.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed CEO of CMC?
CMC has appointed Stefano Di Santo as its new group chief executive.
Where did Stefano Di Santo work previously?
He joins CMC from Cela, where he served as chief executive, and has previously held senior roles at Haulotte, Fabio Perini, Körber, Fedrigoni, and Ecospray Technologies.
Why is this appointment significant for CMC?
The appointment supports governance strengthening and international expansion, following private equity investment and recent executive appointments in North America.
Who owns CMC?
CMC is majority-owned by Metrika, which acquired its controlling stake in 2022, alongside founding shareholder families.
