“The key to life and business in Italy: creativity married with an excellent head for commerce”

Like all of his compatriots, Valentino Bravi, Chief Executive Officer, T-Systems Italy, displays a lovably unselfconscious attitude to the pride he feels – in the history and culture of Bella Italia, and in being the World Cup holders.

Who are your most important customers?

We’re setting our sights on medium to large enterprises and public institutions. The market segments where we see the most potential are finance – principally banking, manufacturing, travel and transport with Aeroporti di Roma, and logistics with Interporto di Nola. A customer in the public sector is the Italian Ministry of the Interior. In healthcare we are concentrating on the region of Sardinia and the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. A recent order from the publisher De Agostini Editore opens new market potential for us in media and publishing.

What are your targets in 2008?

We have to improve our brand awareness in order to succeed in the challenge to become a top player in the Italian market. We think we have an excellent opportunity to achieve this by leveraging our Real ICT expertise and focusing on network-centric services. On top of this are opportunities that arise because we are part of the Deutsche Telekom Group. Many companies know that DT is a giant; the next step is to convince them that we can deliver added value consistently and reliably. Then they will choose T-Systems as a partner.

What is so special about Italy?

In Italy, creativity means quite a lot, even when it comes to business activities. Our personal and professional lives are influenced by this, and this has been increasingly understood by other countries. Here I should also mention the culture and history of our country, which I believe are unique. Visitors appreciate the cuisine and wines. And last but not least: We won the World Cup in 2006. We are proud of this fact!

Which place do you like most in Milan and why?

The area I like most is the ancient part of the city, surrounding the cathedral. In the backstreets you can still sense the fascinating atmosphere of the past, sprinkled with restaurants and museums. A restaurant I can recommend is Burlagio, with its traditional Milan cuisine. Also, I like the financial district with the stock exchange, businesses and banks, with the flair of a multicultural and multinational city.

If you had one wish, what would it be?

My first wish is from a business perspective: At T-Systems in Italy we’re facing major challenges. We are doing our best by building up trust between us and our customers. If we are able to combine our strengths, then I am convinced that T-Systems in Italy will make a significant contribution to our company’s overall business in Europe.