Simone Sallustio

Growing up in an Italian globe-trotting family, I developed a deep cultural curiosity through experiences in Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries during my teenage years. This global perspective shaped my academic journey, earning cum laude degrees in business and finance from LUISS and Bocconi in Italy, complemented by a double degree program at RSM in The Netherlands, and exchange programs in Norway and Texas.

My career began in investment banking in London, focusing on consumer sector deals. At Lehman Brothers, I gained rigorous training, lifelong friendships, and a front-row seat to a $600 billion bankruptcy. I furthered my expertise at Credit Suisse and later as a private equity investor at BC Partners, driving landmark European transactions.

After seven years in the UK, I pursued an MBA at INSEAD, splitting my time between the French countryside and Singapore’s vibrant metropolitan scene. I later enhanced my leadership skills through the Owner/President Management (OPM) program at Harvard Business School. These experiences crystallized my vision: to build innovative companies that transform consumers’ lives globally.

Joining Verlinvest in 2015, I found a purpose-driven firm with a team united by shared values and ambition. Verlinvest’s family-like culture accelerated my growth, pushing me beyond my comfort zone to collaborate with exceptional entrepreneurial leaders. Heading Verlinvest’s European team, I have led investments in high-growth consumer brands and currently serve as Chair, Director, or Observer on the boards of Mutti, Toluna, Tom&Co, Nesto, Faceland, Bludental, Sinomedica, and Liva.

I firmly believe in the power of our collective imagination to create lasting impact for consumers worldwide