As we continue on our upwards trajectory of growth here at Vesta, we are thrilled to welcome Francesco Setola to the group as Head of M&A for Europe. Francesco’s wealth of knowledge and experience will be pivotal as we expand our presence across the continent, exploring both new and familiar vertical markets.
We spent a bit of time getting to know Francesco and finding out more about his background in this Q&A.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
I am Italian, born in Naples, where I attended the Nunziatella Military School, the oldest military school in Europe, fostering a strong work ethic and leadership.
Following finance studies at LUISS Guido Carli in Rome, I honed valuation skills at EY, working on M&A transactions providing valuation and business modelling services. Seeking a deeper understanding, I transitioned to Foresight, an infrastructure investment fund, where I mastered the M&A process. I then moved to Barcelona, where I was leading the M&A team as Head of M&A Global for Grupo Neoelectra.
To enhance my business expertise, I enrolled in the Executive MBA program at EAE Business School in 2021.
What made you choose Vesta as the next step in your career?
The opportunity to move into the software industry at Vesta was incredibly motivating! I am passionate about tech in general, and I am excited to leverage my M&A expertise and be a part of a company that is at the forefront of this dynamic field.
I am aware that I have a lot to learn about this industry, but I am confident that Vesta is the right place to grow in this sense, and that my skills and experience will be valuable in supporting the group to achieve its strategic goals.
What are your top three books/podcasts?
- Zygmunt Bauman – Liquid Life (Book)
- Geopop (an Italian podcast focused on scientific and cultural dissemination)
- Marcus Aurelius – Meditations (Book)
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love everything that is related to the sea: I love sailing, scuba diving, swimming, and occasionally I go surfing and kitesurfing.
I also enjoy listening to and playing music (guitar and ukulele) and going to concerts to see my favourite musicians! My music taste varies so I don’t have a favourite genre, I tend to space from classical to rock, funk to pop.
I’m a huge fan of cooking and trying new restaurants in the cities I travel to, with travelling being another one of my passions!
Who inspires you?
I absolutely love people who are fired up about something, whatever it may be. The ones who get this sparkle in their eyes when they talk about their project, their hobby, even their favourite band. It’s like a whole other level of energy that just grabs you.
It’s not just the enthusiasm, though, it’s how they make you feel it too. They explain things with such gusto, like they’re sharing a secret treasure, and suddenly you’re seeing the world through their passionate lens. You can tell they care deeply about what they’re talking about, and that makes it ten times more interesting. It’s like they’re opening a whole new door in your mind, and you just got to peek inside.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I’ve always been captivated by the allure of flight, the notion of soaring through the skies like a bird. The freedom, the exhilaration, the breathtaking views – it’s a dream I’ve long held dear.
For this reason, I’m planning to acquire my light sport aircraft pilot’s license. This would empower me to operate smaller, single-engine planes, granting me the freedom to explore the skies and pursue my passion for aviation.
Coming soon…
What is your favourite quote?
“Considerate la vostra semenza:
Fatti non foste a viver come bruti,
Ma per seguir virtute e conoscenza.”
“Consider your origins:
you were not made to live as brutes,
but to follow virtue and knowledge.”
Dante Alighieri
Divina Commedia ‘Inferno’ canto 26, l. 118
