Building a successful company often requires the ability to recognize opportunities where others see uncertainty. It also demands the patience to adapt and evolve while maintaining a long-term vision despite changing markets and emerging challenges. Few understand this balance better than Valerio Matanò.
As Executive Chairman and Founder of Promoitalia Group, Valerio Matanò has not only led the growth of one of the most dynamic companies in the beauty and aesthetic medicine industry, but has also witnessed the profound transformations of the market—from evolving consumer expectations to advances in science and technology that have opened new possibilities in beauty and wellness.
International expansion and business growth represent only part of his journey. Equally fundamental to his success have been his commitment to building lasting relationships, his constant pursuit of innovation, and his contribution to positive social change. Over the years, Valerio Matanò has developed exceptional expertise and a deep understanding of the aesthetic medicine market. Leadership, perseverance, scientific research, and the ability to keep an organization relevant in an ever-changing environment are among the keys to Promoitalia’s success.
In this interview, Valerio Matanò reflects on the experiences that have shaped his path, the values that continue to guide his decisions, and his vision for the future of an industry destined for continued growth.
What personal experiences have shaped your vision as the leader of Promoitalia Group?
My journey began long before the founding of Promoitalia. At nineteen, I made the difficult decision to leave home and build my own path. It was not easy, but that experience taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of taking responsibility for my own choices.
Around the same time, I entered the field of aesthetic medicine, which was still in its early stages. I had the privilege of growing alongside this industry, witnessing its transformation and contributing to its evolution.
Those experiences shaped my leadership philosophy. I learned that success is never accidental—it is the result of curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to pursue a vision before others recognize its potential.
Promoitalia was built on those values. To me, leadership means inspiring people to believe in possibilities, embrace innovation, and constantly strive to create something meaningful that improves the lives of others.
How has your professional journey prepared you for leading a global company?
I never approached my career with the sole ambition of becoming a CEO. Instead, I focused on learning every aspect of the business, understanding people, anticipating market needs, and building relationships based on trust.
I started from the ground up, working directly with physicians, distributors, and industry professionals around the world.
Operating in more than one hundred countries has taught me that leadership requires both consistency and adaptability. Different markets have different cultures, expectations, and challenges, but the principles of integrity, innovation, and excellence remain universal.
My experience has shown me that a global company cannot be managed from behind a desk. You must listen, travel, stay connected to market realities, and surround yourself with talented people who share a common purpose. More than anything else, that is what prepared me for this role.
“We do not follow the market. We define its direction.”
What does success mean to you beyond financial growth and expansion?
Financial performance is important because it reflects the health and sustainability of a business, but it has never been my only measure of success.
To me, true success means creating a lasting and positive impact.
It means seeing our products improve people’s confidence and well-being. It means witnessing the professional and personal growth of our team members. It means building a corporate culture that encourages innovation, loyalty, and collaboration.
Above all, it means knowing that what we do today will continue to make a difference tomorrow.
Success is not simply about achieving results—it is about building something meaningful that outlives us.
How do you balance corporate leadership with your personal life?
Balance is not about dividing time equally; it is about being fully present in every area of life.
I am deeply passionate about my work, but I also recognize the importance of family, friendships, health, and those simple moments that bring joy.
I believe longevity is not only physical but also mental and emotional. Taking time to recharge, travel, enjoy good food, appreciate beauty, and reflect allows me to return to work with renewed energy and perspective.
Leadership is demanding, but it should never come at the expense of the values and relationships that define us as human beings.
What has been the most difficult decision you have faced as CEO?
One of the most challenging aspects of leadership is making decisions that prioritize long-term vision over short-term comfort.
Throughout my career, there have been times when I chose to invest in innovation before the market was ready to embrace it. Such decisions inevitably involve uncertainty and require conviction.
I have learned that leadership is not about avoiding risks—it is about understanding which risks are worth taking.
Some of Promoitalia’s most important innovations were initially met with skepticism. However, by remaining committed to scientific evidence, listening to the market, and believing in our vision, we were able to contribute to meaningful change within the industry.
The most important lesson I have learned is simple:
Never allow the fear of failure to limit the pursuit of progress.
Which aspect of your daily responsibilities excites you the most?
Without a doubt, working with people and creating new possibilities together.
No two days are ever the same. One moment I may be discussing scientific developments with experts, and the next I may be exploring new markets or planning future initiatives with my team.
What excites me most is transforming ideas into reality. Seeing a concept become a product, a strategy, or an initiative that generates benefits for professionals and patients is immensely rewarding.
Innovation is not a single event—it is a continuous process. And being part of that journey every day is one of the greatest privileges of my role.
INNOVATION IS OUR OBSESSION
What advice would you give to young leaders who want to make their mark in the beauty and wellness industry?
First, cultivate genuine curiosity. This industry evolves rapidly, and continuous learning is essential.
Second, remain authentic. It is easy to be influenced by others, but the greatest impact comes from pursuing your own vision.
Never underestimate the importance of people. Products and technologies are vital, but relationships, trust, and shared values are what build strong and enduring businesses.
Finally, be patient. Sustainable success rarely happens overnight.
Stay true to your purpose, adapt when necessary, and never lose sight of the reasons that inspired you to begin.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
When people reflect on my journey, I hope they will remember someone who had the courage to innovate, the determination to persevere, and the humility to recognize that no achievement is accomplished alone.
I would like my legacy to extend beyond products, patents, and corporate milestones.
I hope I have helped bring about a shift in perspective within our industry:
- from correction to regeneration;
- from appearance to holistic well-being;
- from fleeting trends to long-term value.
Above all, I hope Promoitalia will continue to inspire future generations of professionals to dream big, embrace change, and pursue excellence with integrity.
If I have contributed to creating a company and a culture capable of outlasting my career and continuing to improve people’s lives around the world, then I will consider that my greatest achievement.
Looking Beyond Corporate Success
Over the decades, the beauty and wellness industry has undergone profound transformation. Throughout this evolution, Valerio Matanò has continued to embrace new ideas, promote a culture of continuous learning, and create lasting value for both the industry and the people who benefit from it.
The entrepreneurial spirit that has defined his journey continues to drive him toward new challenges and ambitions. His passion for innovation, integrity, and positive impact demonstrates that true success is measured not only by financial results, but also by the ability to positively influence the lives of others.
