A streamlined leadership structure around Elisabetta Fabri
Starhotels has announced two senior leadership changes. Francesco Brunetti has been promoted to Deputy CEO & Asset Director, while Marco Gilardi joins the group as Managing Director Hospitality.
Marco Gilardi succeeds Francesco Brunetti in the hospitality leadership role, having overseen the group’s operations since 2020. Brunetti, in turn, assumes the responsibilities previously held by Fabrizio Gaggio. Starhotels’ co-CEO and Asset Director since March 2024, Gaggio joined Arsenale Group in September 2026 to lead its newly established Hospitality Business Unit.
The group presents the new structure as bringing together two complementary executives with a shared objective: “to fully realise the potential of our hotels, while respecting each property’s identity and through the work of our people”.
In the statement reported by the Italian press, Elisabetta Fabri explains that Starhotels’ growth depends on its ability to unlock the potential of its properties through investment, the quality of hospitality and employee engagement. She believes both executives will bring added value to this next phase.
Francesco Brunetti: from hotel operations to asset management
In his new role, Francesco Brunetti will support the President and CEO in defining and implementing the group’s strategy, with particular emphasis on asset value enhancement and development opportunities.
He joined Starhotels in 2020 as Managing Director, having previously held senior management positions at Hilton, ITT Sheraton, CIGA and Starwood. At Starwood, he was involved in the integration with Marriott International.
Marco Gilardi: a career rooted in the maritime sector
Marco Gilardi began his career in the maritime sector. After studying at the Scuola Navale Militare Francesco Morosini between 1996 and 1999, he entered the Italian Naval Academy in Livorno. He was commissioned as a naval supply officer in December 2001, subsequently holding assignments in provisioning, administration and logistics.
Alongside his naval career, he worked in guest reception aboard Grimaldi Group vessels between 2000 and 2004. He subsequently joined Costa Crociere as a purser, overseeing administration, accommodation and food and beverage operations.
Eighteen years with NH Hotel Group
In late 2005, Marco Gilardi joined NH Hotel Group in Milan as Front Office Manager and systems coordinator for NH Santo Stefano and nhow Milano. During the integration of Framon Hotels and Jolly Hotels, he trained teams on the group’s systems and supported hotel openings.
In 2009, he contributed to the establishment of a European central reservations operation. Initially responsible for Italy, his remit was subsequently extended to the Benelux countries, France and the United Kingdom.
From 2011 to 2015, he led MICE and group sales for 53 hotels in Italy, representing more than 8,200 rooms and 450 meeting rooms. He then became Regional Director of Operations, responsible for 16 hotels across Sicily, Liguria, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna.
In 2017, he was appointed Director of Operations Italy and New York. He retained this remit within Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, the division encompassing the Thai group’s European and American operations. In February 2026, he was appointed Senior Vice President Operations Italy.
Alongside his move to Starhotels, he joined the board of ITOUR – Italian Council for Tourism & International Relations in October 2026. This independent, non-profit think tank aims to strengthen Italy’s international positioning and attract investment to the country.
Combining commercial performance with operational efficiency
According to Starhotels, its new Managing Director Hospitality brings more than 20 years of international experience spanning upscale and luxury hospitality. His responsibilities will combine commercial development and operational efficiency, with the aim of improving hotel performance, service quality and the guest experience.
Founded in Florence in 1980 and owned by the Fabri family, Starhotels reports a portfolio of 34 properties and more than 4,500 rooms. Its hotels are located in major Italian destinations as well as London, Paris and New York. The group recently strengthened its upscale collection with the reopening of Hotel Gabrielli in Venice under the Starhotels Collezione brand.
Analysis – The new organisational structure establishes a clear distinction between asset value enhancement, entrusted to Francesco Brunetti, and operational performance, entrusted to Marco Gilardi. For a family-owned group that is both an owner and operator, this division of responsibilities brings its governance closer to the structures found in major integrated hotel groups. Marco Gilardi’s background in multi-property management and MICE sales is particularly relevant to the importance of urban and business hotels within the portfolio.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Starhotels reshapes its leadership team
Francesco Brunetti promoted to Deputy CEO & Asset Director, supporting President and CEO Elisabetta Fabri.
Marco Gilardi joins as Managing Director Hospitality, a role previously held by Brunetti since 2020.
Gilardi spent 18 years at NH Hotel Group and subsequently served as SVP Operations Italy at Minor Hotels Europe & Americas.
The appointments follow former co-CEO Fabrizio Gaggio’s departure to Arsenale Group.
Florence-based, family-owned Starhotels operates 34 properties with more than 4,500 rooms.
