VENICE – After twelve years at the helm of the Unione Interporti Riuniti (UIR), Matteo Gasparato has stepped down as president of the association representing Italy’s interport system.
The Verona-born manager was recently designated to head the North Adriatic Sea Port System Authority, and therefore considered it appropriate to leave the presidency of the association, bringing to an end a long cycle at UIR.
The same is expected to happen in the coming weeks with the presidency of Quadrante Europa, the Verona interport which he still heads pending the clear identification of his successor.
The news was made official directly by Gasparato on his Facebook channel: «After twelve years at the helm of UIR, I am leaving the Presidency. It is not an easy choice, but one made with full awareness and linked to the start of a new professional challenge, demanding but equally stimulating».
The current head of the port of Venice then added: «For me, UIR has been much more than an appointment: a genuine path of growth, an intense and engaging journey, shared with people who were able to recognise themselves in a common vision. Over these years UIR has become a stronger, more authoritative and more widely recognised association. Its contribution to the approval of the new law on interports has brought the sector back to the centre of the national debate».
Gasparato then continued with some reflections on his past experience, highlighting the goals achieved: «Looking to the future took shape in the competition dedicated to schools, investing in the younger generations. The “Partner” initiative attracted resources, skills and renewed interest around the association. “Interporti al Centro” has become a stable and qualifying appointment, while our presence in the main trade fair and institutional contexts has gradually strengthened. At the same time, UIR has grown significantly: in its membership base, visibility, ability to make an impact and to be heard. It has become a credible interlocutor, capable of engaging with politics and with the entire system. These results are the outcome of collective work, based on collaboration, trust and a sense of belonging».
Finally, in the post, the president of the lagoon port authority also revealed who will take his place, as confirmed by UIR’s official website. It will be Gianpaolo Serpagli, already senior vice-president and president of the Parma interport.
