Chiara Longo’s journey, today Senior Director Area Trade Sales & Marketing at Mangia’s, between multinationals, entrepreneurship and new challenges

Inside Mangia’s was born with the aim of telling the stories of those who, every day, help shape our vision of hospitality. Different paths, international experiences, professional and personal choices that intertwine in an authentic story of growth, ambition and continuous evolution.

This is the story of Chiara Longo, Senior Director Area Trade Sales & Marketing.

Let yourself be inspired by the journey that built her vision.

«The sea is the place that represents me most.»

For Chiara Longo, the sea holds everything she considers essential: energy, reflection, socialising and change.

A balance she also finds in her own professional journey, built through very different experiences – multinationals, entrepreneurship and local realities – united by one common element: the willingness to embrace new challenges.

A journey built through conscious choices

The first real turning point comes with the decision to change direction from her initial path.

«I had started a path more oriented towards finance, both in my studies and in my work. Then I chose to pursue a master’s degree in marketing and communication.»

A choice not planned from the start, but matured over time:

«It was not a linear path. It came almost as a surprise, but it was something that felt close to my aptitudes and interests.»

The multinational experience

Among the milestones that most shaped her professional growth, Chiara identifies the long journey at Reckitt Benckiser.

«It was a company that represented me greatly in its values and that gave me so much both professionally and humanly.»

An experience that allowed her to build cross-functional skills and a strong capacity for adaptation:

«Working in a multinational context taught me structure, vision and management skills, but also a very open approach to change.»

Beyond the professional aspects, what she considers most important are the relationships built over time:

«I was fortunate to meet people and teams that enriched me deeply, both professionally and personally.»

Entrepreneurship and new perspectives

After the multinational experience came another turning point: an entrepreneurial journey developed together with a professional partner.

«It was a different experience, more flexible, which gave me a new perspective and allowed me to approach my return to Sicily with greater awareness.»

A transition that allowed her to engage with organisational realities different from the multinational model:

«Companies with a more entrepreneurial matrix have very different decision-making dynamics and approaches. This too contributes to growth.»

Openness to change

Looking back at her own journey, Chiara identifies one element she feels she brings today to her role at Mangia’s:

«A strong predisposition to change.»

Different experiences, different sectors and cross-functional roles have contributed to building a flexible, innovation-oriented approach.

«I am a person very open to new challenges, stimuli and dialogue.»

But also strongly team-oriented:

«I strongly believe in team spirit and in sharing successes. Growth always comes through people.»

The relationship between person and company

For Chiara, the relationship with a company is based first and foremost on mutual balance.

«Company and person choose each other.»

A principle that guides her professional choices:

«You contribute to the company’s growth, but at the same time the company must contribute to your personal and professional growth.»

The choice of Mangia’s

Joining Mangia’s came from curiosity about a new challenge and the desire to keep building value in Sicilian territory.

«Our work is driven by inspiration, by the ability to improve, to bring value, and to step outside the comfort zone.»

After years in different sectors, the world of hospitality represented a new opportunity:

«Mangia’s is an important reality in the national landscape. I wanted to listen and explore further because I felt it could be an interesting choice to consider.»

Growing while maintaining one’s own identity

Over the years, Chiara has learned how important it is to adapt to different contexts without losing one’s authenticity.

«Intelligence lies in being able to integrate without losing one’s identity.»

Every company requires different approaches, but never at the cost of one’s own value:

«Conforming is wrong, integrating is essential. Companies also choose you for the unique perspective you can bring.»

Looking ahead

For Chiara Longo, professional growth and personal growth remain deeply connected.

«The choices you make must lead you, over time, to feel serene and fulfilled.»

A journey built through change, curiosity and continuous evolution.

And with the conviction that it is always people who truly make the difference.