Meet Fortunato Staropoli
At the heart of our company’s success is our sales team, the vital link between our innovative paper solutions and the brands that use them. For Fortunato, Sales Director of our Italian office, the past 29 years have been a journey of evolution, collaboration, and discovery. Working closely with some of the biggest names in fashion and retail, he navigates the high standards and expectations these brands have for how their products are packaged and presented.
Fortunato ensures that our clients gain trusted guidance, tailored solutions, and a partner who truly understands their business. Under his leadership, our sales team transforms challenges into opportunities, supporting our global clients and delivering value at every step. In this interview, Fortunato reflects on what first drew him in, the lessons learned along the way, and what keeps him motivated after all these years.
Name
Fortunato Staropoli
Position
Sales Director
Location
Italy
Department
Sales
Team delfort since
1997
"This place surprised me and 29 years later it still does!
When I first joined the company, I was excited by the energy and ambition I saw. It felt like a place where things were happening, and I wanted to be a part of that. Over the years, what's kept me here is the people, the challenges and the sense of purpose.
I’ve had the chance to grow, take on new responsibilities, and work with some amazing teams. It’s never felt stale. There’s always something new to learn or improve, and that’s what keeps me motivated."
You’ve been part of delfort since its very beginning and where part of the opening of the Italian sales office. What made those early days so special?
I started back in 1997 in sales, and the support I received from the very beginning helped me understand the business from the ground up. The transition into delfort was an exciting turning point. It marked the beginning of a new era. Those early years were full of energy and optimism; we were building something unique in the specialty paper industry, and everyone felt part of that journey.
The opening of the Italian office was an important step and a moment I’ll always remember. At that time, we were already well established in the market, thanks to years of effort and strong customer relationships. The challenge was to turn that success into a local structure that could operate independently and serve customers even better.
How did you and your team navigate the challenges of starting out and building trust with customers?
We started as a small, committed team with a clear goal: to maintain the quality and trust we had built while creating closer partnerships. Securing our first major contracts as a local entity was a proud moment; it showed that our approach was working.
Expanding our product portfolio to meet customers’ needs was another key milestone. It helped us grow and strengthen our position in the market. Looking back, those early days were full of hard work, determination, and the belief that we were building something meaningful for the future.
Over time, I’ve had the chance to take on new challenges and grow. I’ve been lucky to have mentors who believed in me and gave me opportunities to step up.
What I’ve always appreciated is working with people who are sharp, driven, and passionate about what they do. It’s motivating to be around that kind of energy.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky to have mentors in top management who believed in me and gave me room to grow. Their trust and guidance played a big role in shaping my career and gave me the confidence to take on challenges. That kind of support has made a huge difference and is something I really value.
Looking back, what were the defining moments that stood out for you?
Our journey has been remarkable. From a small, agile team, we’ve evolved into a forward-thinking organization with deep expertise in sales and customer care. Key milestones include introducing new product lines - such as the lightweight wrapping paper for the fashion industry - and penetrating new business areas including tissue packaging, food packaging, and electrical insulation. Moving from a coworking space to our own dedicated office was a step that truly marked our independence and long-term commitment.
What inspires me most is seeing colleagues grow into leaders and the team becoming a trusted partner that drives innovation and sets new benchmarks for excellence.
If you could trade jobs with someone here for a day, whose job would you like to try?
If I could trade jobs for a day, I’d love to step into the Mergers & Acquisitions team. I’ve always found M&A fascinating because it’s where strategy meets impact. The idea that one deal can reshape a company’s future, open new markets, strengthen a position, or drive growth, really grabs me. I’d love to understand more about how those decisions are made and what goes into making them successful.
What are you personally looking forward to in the next chapter of your career journey?
In the next chapter of my career, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and challenge myself. I’d love to get more exposure to strategic areas and also explore cross-department experiences, seeing how different parts of the business operate and contribute to the bigger picture.
After all these years, I still feel there’s a lot to learn, and I’m excited to keep evolving.
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