Hi, I’m Gianluca Mei, an entrepreneur and consultant based in Ancona, Italy, with 20+ years driving digital transformation, startup growth, and innovation management. I’ve built cross-functional teams, launched data-informed online brands, and led organizations through remote and hybrid setups to scale and succeed. I thrive at the intersection of technology, design, and business strategy, helping SMEs, startups, and corporates grow sustainably by blending UX-focused product thinking with practical go-to-market and operational execution.

Gianluca Mei

Hi, I’m Gianluca Mei, an entrepreneur and consultant based in Ancona, Italy, with 20+ years driving digital transformation, startup growth, and innovation management. I’ve built cross-functional teams, launched data-informed online brands, and led organizations through remote and hybrid setups to scale and succeed. I thrive at the intersection of technology, design, and business strategy, helping SMEs, startups, and corporates grow sustainably by blending UX-focused product thinking with practical go-to-market and operational execution.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Gianluca Mei, an entrepreneur and consultant based in Ancona, Italy, with 20+ years driving digital transformation, startup growth, and innovation management. I’ve built cross-functional teams, launched data-informed online brands, and led organizations through remote and hybrid setups to scale and succeed.

I thrive at the intersection of technology, design, and business strategy, helping SMEs, startups, and corporates grow sustainably by blending UX-focused product thinking with practical go-to-market and operational execution.

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Language

Italian
Fluent
English
Fluent
Greek, Modern
Beginner

Work Experience

Co-founder & Executive at Apposta Ltd
January 1, 2011 - Present
Co-founded Apposta Ltd, a technology-enabled online brand of Italian shirts. Built and led cross-functional teams, transitioned the organization to a fully remote, distributed company, and established an efficient collaboration system and policies. Created an innovative interactive customization experience blending technology, consumer psychology, and a rigorous A/B testing approach to optimization. Implemented advanced analytics (data warehouse + Tableau) and UX-driven architecture on AWS, supported by scalable, self-scaling infrastructure. Directed digital marketing and customer acquisition strategies to maintain sustainable unit economics (LTV > CAC). Raised capital in two rounds to support growth and technology development.
Project Manager & Business Consultant at Adria Labsrl, Jesi
December 31, 2006 - October 1, 2025
Involved in developing the digital presence for the group brands and implementing web technologies for industrial processes. Recruited and trained the team; collaborated closely with the CEO; managed teams of 4–20 people and led brand/product websites for Ariston, Indesit, Scholtes, and Hotpoint. Engaged in management consulting projects, and gained exposure to a MIT Boston research program on digital transformation.
Project Manager at Wally Yachts / CNB
December 31, 2001 - October 1, 2025
Overseeing the construction of several high-profile Wally Yachts (24–33 m); liaising with the design office in Monte Carlo and key suppliers across Europe.
Co-founder & Yacht Designer at Indigo Blue, Jesi
December 31, 2000 - October 1, 2025
Co-founded Indigo Blue; designer of an 11 m sailing catamaran for a private owner (launched in 2001).
Assistant Yacht Designer at Grainer Yacht Design, Southport
December 31, 1996 - October 1, 2025
Trained and assisted in yacht design, gaining exposure to sailing yacht projects for Australian and New Zealand markets.
Co-founder & Executive at Apposta Ltd, London
January 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Launched a technology-enabled online brand for customizable Italian shirts; scaled to €2M gross sales, 30k customers across 109 countries; built cross-functional, remote teams and policies to enable efficient collaboration; led marketing, product development, and operations driving sustainable unit economics (LTV > CAC).
Project Manager & Business Consultant at Adria Labs Ltd, Jesi, Italy
January 1, 2006 - October 1, 2025
Drove digital presence for industrial processes; recruited and trained teams; advised on brand identity, customer experience and technology implementation across multiple SMEs.
Project Manager at Wally Yachts / CNB, Fano, Italy
January 1, 2001 - October 1, 2025
Overseeing construction of several high-profile yachts; coordinated with design offices in Monte Carlo and suppliers across Europe to ensure on-time delivery.
Co-founder & Yacht Designer at Indigo Blue, Alba Adriatica, Italy
January 1, 2000 - October 1, 2025
Co-founded a yacht design venture; led development of digital platforms for advanced product data management and bespoke customer experiences.
Assistant Yacht Designer at Granger Yacht Design, Southport, Australia
January 1, 1996 - October 1, 2025
Supported yacht design projects; contributed to concept development and technical drawings.
Co-founder & Executive at Apposta Ltd
January 1, 2011 - Present
Launched a technology-enabled online brand of Italian shirts. Scaled to €2M gross sales, 30,000 customers across 109 countries, and 6,500+ positive reviews. Built and led cross-functional teams, established a remote distributed company culture, and implemented efficient collaboration systems and policies. Created an innovative interactive customization experience blending technology, customer psychology, and a scientific A/B testing approach to optimization. Implemented advanced analytics (data warehouse + Tableau) and information systems to support decision making. Directed UX-driven web architecture and AWS-based self-scaling infrastructure. Led digital marketing and customer acquisition strategies to achieve sustainable unit economics (LTV > CAC) and supported two fundraising rounds to accelerate growth and technology development. Award recognition included UK Ecommerce Award (Best Fashion Ecommerce), Netcomm Ecommerce Award (Best Fashion Ecommerce), Italian Web Award (Best Ecomme
Founder & Consultant at Cone srl
January 1, 2002 - Present
Established to support the digital transformation of SMEs with consulting, technology, and marketing strategies. Built cross-disciplinary teams, designed and launched premium digital platforms enabling e-commerce, mass customization, and sophisticated user experiences. Provided consulting and business analysis for key customers across multiple industries, covering brand identity, customer experience design, processes, and technology implementation. Involved in the design and launch of several startups; recognized with industry awards including EU Digital Icon and Design Awards (mobile, UX, innovation).
Project Manager & Business Consultant at Adria Labsrl, Jesi
December 31, 2006 - October 1, 2025
Joint venture between GEA Consulting and Indesit Company, in charge of developing the digital presence for the group brands and web technologies for industrial processes. Led recruitment, training, and organization of the team, collaborated with the CEO, and managed projects with teams of 4–20 people. Delivered brand and product websites for Ariston, Indesit, Scholtes, and Hotpoint; advised on business strategy and technology implementation.
Project Manager at Wally Yachts / CNB
December 31, 2001 - October 1, 2025
Oversaw the construction of several high-profile Wally Yachts (24–33 m). Liaised with the design office in Monte Carlo and key suppliers across Europe to coordinate engineering, materials, and timelines.
Co-founder & Yacht Designer at Indigo Blue, Alba Adriatica
December 31, 2000 - October 1, 2025
Co-founded the firm and designed yachts; developed an 11 m sailing catamaran for a private owner (launched in 2001).
Assistant Yacht Designer at Grainer Yacht Design, Southport
December 31, 1996 - October 1, 2025
Assisted in yacht design for sailing multihulls; supported design development for Australian and New Zealand markets.
Co-founder & Executive at Apposta Ltd
January 1, 2011 - Present
Launched a tech-enabled online brand of Italian shirts; recognized as a digital innovation benchmark; scaled to €2M gross sales with 30k customers across 109 countries; built cross-functional teams; transitioned to fully remote operations; created innovative interactive customization experiences; implemented advanced analytics and data systems; directed UX-driven web architecture with AWS self-scaling; led digital marketing and customer acquisition; raised two fundraising rounds.
Project Manager & Business Consultant at Adria Labsrl, Jesi, Italy
January 1, 2006 - October 1, 2025
Joined at launch of the company; supported recruitment, training, and organization of the team; managed 4-20 person teams; led design in key projects including brand and product websites for Ariston, Indesit, Schmidt and Hotpoint; involved in management consulting projects; connected with MIT Boston research program on digital transformation.
Project Manager at Wally Yachts / CNB, Fano, Italy
January 1, 2001 - October 1, 2025
Overseeing the construction of several high-profile Wally Yachts (24 to 33 m); liaising with the design office in Monte Carlo and key suppliers across Europe.
Co-founder & Yacht Designer at Indigo Blue, Alba Adriatica, Italy
January 1, 2000 - October 1, 2025
Designer of an 11 m sailing catamaran for a private owner (launched in 2001).
Assistant Yacht Designer at Grainer Yacht Design, Southport, Australia
January 1, 1996 - October 1, 2025
Assisted in yacht design for sailing multihulls; gained exposure to Australian and NZ markets.
Co-founder & Executive at Apposta Ltd
January 1, 2011 - Present
Launched a technology-enabled online brand of Italian shirts; scaled to €2M gross sales, 30k customers from 109 countries, and 6,500+ reviews. Built cross-functional teams, transitioned to fully remote operations, and led UX-driven customization, data-informed decision making, and digital marketing to achieve sustainable unit economics.
Project Manager & Business Consultant at Adria Labsrl, Jesi (Italy) - Joint Venture between GEA Consulting and Indesit Company
January 1, 2006 - October 1, 2025
Led development of the digital presence for group brands and web technologies for industrial processes; recruited and trained teams; liaised with the CEO; provided consulting for SMEs and corporate projects.
Project Manager at Wally Yachts / CNB, Fano (Italy)
January 1, 2001 - October 1, 2025
Oversaw construction of multiple high-profile Wally Yachts (24–33 m); coordinated with design office in Monte Carlo and key suppliers across Europe.
Co-founder & Yacht Designer at Indigo Blue, Adriatica (Italy)
January 1, 2000 - October 1, 2025
Co-founded the venture and led yacht design, product development, and design management for the brand.
Assistant Yacht Designer at Grainer Yacht Design, Southport (Australia)
January 1, 1996 - October 1, 2025
Assisted yacht design projects, contributing to hull layouts and interior concepts for sailing multihulls.

Education

MSc in Electronics Engineering / Computing at Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
MSc in Electronics Engineering / Computing at Marche Polytechnic University (Università Politecnica delle Marche), Ancona, Italy
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
MSc in Electronics Engineering / Computing at Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
MSc in Electronics Engineering / Computing at Politechnic University of Marche (Università Politecnica delle Marche), Ancona
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
MSc in Electronics Engineering / Computing at Università Politecnica delle Marche
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025

Qualifications

MIT Boston Digital Transformation Program
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
MSc in Electronics Engineering / Computing
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
Italian Web Award, EU Digital Icon, Design Awards (Mobile, UX, Innovation)
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Software & Internet, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, Other, Education