My cabinet: Cassina / Meda
All in perspective
The century-old Italian furniture firm thoughtfully combines old and new – and encourages disagreement.
“If you want to do this job properly, then you really need to love the product,” says Luca Fuso. “Otherwise, there are so many other roles you can do.” Fuso, the ceo of Italian furniture giant Cassina, welcomes monocle to the company’s headquarters in Meda, a 30-minute drive from Milan, where the firm has been based since 1927. Some of the oldest buildings here date back to the 1940s and received a makeover from Cassina’s art director Patricia Urquiola in 2017.
Seemingly in constant motion, Fuso glides around the near century-old campus. He meets colleagues over lunch in the canteen and talks to clients in a meeting room before coming to rest with key members of his team in an enclosed courtyard at the centre of the property. The space has a verdant green wall and is furnished with pieces from a variety of collections in the Cassina catalogue. “It reflects a new philosophy that we call the ‘Cassina perspective’, which involves combining our latest designs with classic products that we have been making for a long time, such as those designed by Gio Ponti,” says Fuso. “This creates a unique environment that reflects what people do in their own homes. You don’t just have work from one designer.”
The outlook, Fuso says, informs the development of Cassina’s collection (“We’re able to work out what’s missing from a room”) and he credits Urquiola for playing a significant role in developing it. “She’s not only an incredible designer but a great mind,” he says. And while the Spanish art director is essential to his work, Fuso holds the rest of his team in similarly high esteem. “I try to surround myself with the most skilled people possible, so I know that they’re able to do what they’re supposed to do without my support.”
It begs the question, is there a danger to having staff who are strong-willed, opinionated and don’t seem to need their boss? “I hope that every time I say something, somebody raises their hand and says, ‘No, I don’t agree’, because that starts a conversation to take better action.” And, ultimately, it seems, to make products that Fuso loves. —
Luca Fuso, (far left)
CEO, Cassina
“I had been a customer of Cassina for many years before joining,” says Fuso, who was hired as CEO in 2018. “It’s the reason why I came here.” The Italian businessman – who is also CEO of Zanotta, which Cassina acquired in 2023 – has worked in fashion, furniture and automotive, holding executive roles at the likes of Diesel, b&b Italia and Ferrari. For his day-to-day work, however, he draws inspiration from sport. “You have to make sure that the company works in order to manufacture, deliver, sell and repeat,” he says. “It’s like tennis: hit and repeat.”
1. Patricia Urquiola
Art director
“Plays a key role in shaping Cassina’s visual identity and ensuring that every aesthetic and creative aspect reflects the brand’s values.”
2. Alberto Mandelli
Research and development director
“Gives shape and life to the products, playing an important role in research and development.”
3. Maurizio Fusetti
Chief financial officer
“Manages the company’s financial resources, planning and financial control.”
4. Stefania Sgattoni
Head of legal affairs
“Looks after legal and regulatory matters.”
5. Enrico Raggi
Commercial director
“Leads the wholesale channel’s growth strategy and sales management.”
6. Chiara Gazzola
Sewing department manager
“Manages operations related to the cutting of leather and fabrics.”
7. Louis Cirillo
Upholstery department manager
“Guides the production of upholstered products.”
8. Camilla Dichio
Sewing department manager
“Oversees the sewing process used in the production of the collections.”
9. Mario Apollonio
Operations director
“Oversees the supply chain as well as manufacturing, quality and logistics to ensure high standards across the board.”
10. Beatrice Gobbi
Product manager
“Helps guide product strategy, development, and market positioning to ensure customer satisfaction.”
11. Christian Medulla
Head of HR
“Leads talent acquisition and development, as well as organisational culture, to ensure that everything aligns with our brand values.”
12. Emanuela Malatacca
Executive assistant
“Supports the CEO by managing schedules and co-ordinating meetings to ensure efficient operations.”
13. Lorenzo Penuti
Custom interiors director
“Leads project management, client relations and custom design co-ordination.”
14. Sara Geti
Global retail director
“Drives Cassina’s worldwide sales strategies to ensure a high-quality experience for all of our customers.”
15. Sara Nosrati
Head of communications
“Manages press relations and fosters the luxury furniture brand’s reputation.”
16. Andrea Bocchiola
Marketing director
“Develops brand strategies and manages product development, as well as social media and advertisement campaigns.”
