Francesco Gaini

I'm a PE value creation executive who has delivered €500M+ in cost reductions and €1B+ in organic revenue growth while leading Europe's largest 2019 IPO (€6B market cap). Over 18 years spanning BCG and Nexi Group, I've specialized in post-merger integration, CFO transformations, and driving 50-100 bps of annual margin expansion for PE-backed companies. I've worked with 5 PE sponsors (Bain Capital, Advent International, Clessidra, Hellman & Friedman, CDP) across the complete value creation cycle—from buy-and-build through IPO exit. At Nexi Group (€3.5B revenue, #1 Italy, #1 Nordics), I currently serve as Chief Planning & Performance Officer on the Executive Committee, leading 300+ professionals across 10+ countries. Previously, I was CFO of our €1.3B Nordic business (Nets) and led day-one integrations of €2B+ in acquisitions including SIA, NETS, and ISP Merchant. I've grown cash generation from minimal to €800M+ annually while maintaining strong revenue growth. I'm currently pioneering a €200M+ AI efficiency program across operations, customer service, and back-office while serving on 7 boards with a proven turnaround track record. Before Nexi, I spent 10 years as a Partner at BCG, focusing on private equity, financial services, and corporate finance. I led buy-side due diligence for major PE funds, turned around an Italian consumer lending company (400% profitability increase), and served as PMO for a €4B+ IPO. Education: MBA from Kellogg, CEMS Master from HEC Paris/Bocconi, dual degrees from Bocconi/Georgetown and Università degli Studi di Milano. I'm passionate about PE value creation, M&A integration, and the evolving role of the CFO in the AI era. I speak regularly at conferences and universities on these topics. Open to board opportunities and executive roles in PE-backed financial services companies. Let's connect.