San Carlo Group, a leading name in Italian restaurants, has appointed Damiano Ruggiero as the new Global Head of Operations. The establishment of this position indicates a strong show of support by the company for the ongoing growth of the company globally, thus providing a full commitment to achieving the utmost operational excellence with the direction of the company’s increasing number of Italian restaurants worldwide.
The newly expanded role places Ruggiero at the centre of San Carlo’s operational strategy, where he will be responsible for steering brand direction, performance, and consistency across several flagship restaurant brands, including Signor Sassi, Cicchetti, and San Carlo outlets worldwide outside the UK.
Ruggiero was appointed to this global role after serving as General Manager for Signor Sassi, Dubai. He contributed significantly to developing and managing the pre-opening strategy as well as the restaurant’s operations post-launch. During that period, he helped define the brand’s identity in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets, contributing to the venue’s rise as a celebrated Italian dining destination.
Ruggiero has exhibited great success by leading many high-end restaurants as both Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O) and Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.). The relationships and skills he gained from these high-end restaurants have helped him achieve significant milestones in his career. He has been involved with marquee operations, including Cipriani DIFC and the successful launch and management of Cipriani Dolci outlets at key Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates locations.
“I am honoured to take on this role at such an exciting moment for the Group,” Ruggiero said in a statement. “Signor Sassi, Cicchetti, and San Carlo are brands with extraordinary heritage and international potential. I look forward to shaping their next chapter and championing world-class Italian hospitality across the globe.”
Ruggiero’s new position includes duties related to improving operational standards, improving the guest experience and aligning the San Carlo brand’s international market performance, as San Carlo continues to rapidly expand to markets beyond the UK.
The San Carlo Group has experienced rapid global expansion, recently opening restaurants in locations such as the US, the Middle East and North Africa. These restaurants represent an effort by the San Carlo brand to provide consumers living outside of Italy an authentic Italian dining experience.
As San Carlo continues its rapid growth and develops additional, global locations, Ruggiero’s responsibilities become increasingly important. His duties will be to ensure that all branded locations maintain an equivalent guest experience and that the brand maintains cohesion in its multiple markets.
