UFI Filters has named Stefano Gava as its new group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Rinaldo Facchini. The Board of Directors of UFI Filters, a leading international group in the field of filtration, thermal management and technologies for the development of hydrogen mobility, met on 16 January to approve the appointment.

Gava, born in Vittorio Veneto (Italy) 43 years ago, was previously COO (Chief Operating Officer) EMEA of UFI Filters. The Italian national graduated in Economics and Finance at the University of Udine. In 2015, he joined UFI Filters as Group Chief Financial Officer, based in the Shanghai office in China, where he was able to count on many years of experience working in finance for companies in the architecture, engineering and construction sectors in China and South-East Asia.

Gava has occupied a number of top positions within the UFI Group, and in 2020 he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer Americas, based in Detroit, before moving to the group’s Italian headquarters to assume the role of COO EMEA in 2022. Last year in June, Gava was recognised as a 2023 Rising Star by the industry publication Automotive News Europe.

Stefano Gava succeeds Rinaldo Facchini, who has been CEO of UFI Filters Group for the past 10 years, having held increasingly important managerial roles within the group’s Administration and Finance units since 1986.

Giorgio Girondi, Chairman of the UFI Filters Group, says: “UFI Filters is well recognised for actively promoting the most talented among us, thanks to mentoring and “cross-fertilisation” programmes that aim to enhance the group’s experience in different regions and contexts, while developing strong leaders. The appointment of Stefano Gava makes us proud because he represents the best example of our people-centred corporate culture. I would also like to thank Rinaldo Facchini for having contributed to the company’s growth in relation to the future of mobility. It is now Stefano’s turn to continue along this path, which I am sure he will be able to follow successfully”.

Stefano Gava, the new CEO of the UFI Filters Group, comments: “I would like to thank Chairman Girondi and the Board of Directors for their trust. I am honoured to receive this appointment and to take up the baton in leading the company through the challenges that the ongoing technological transition is setting us. Regarding this transformation, I consider it fundamental to continue investing in the technological innovations that will support the future of the company, and at the same time, integrate the new sustainability models promoted by our customers”.