INSIGHT 2|2019

15 improvements in the Telecom business unit”. Europe has also shown resilience. Pirondini notes that it is not only the variety of products offered, but also the diversity of people, with different background and cultures that makes the Group very special in today’s world, where it is perhaps more difficult to introduce new technologies andprocesses, but alsomore rewarding if properly done. The Group has more than doubled its IT investments in the last few years, with a strong commitment to integration and digital innovation. Talking about the balance between vision and execution, the COO underlines the importance “to stick to reality and choosewhere to channel themainefforts”. Hebelieves integration will remain the main focus until 2020. That being said, it’s important that we start to think now about our future beyond this timing plan, in terms of business, geography, and organisational set up. Pirondini highlights that thanks to its relevant size and portfolio of the widest range of products, the Group reinforced strong relations with key clients in North America, Europe and South America, as the integration process delivered crucial supply-scale and efficiency benefits. The result is that America has become the second home region for the Group. We’re now looking into different areas for further growth by “continuously exploring the opportunities offered by decarbonisation and the digital revolution for the development of new products and the creation of new, more cost-effective processes”, Pirondini states. “We predicted that 2019 would be a strong year, and so far, that prediction is coming true”, stressed Pirondini, pointing out that this was “the result of the add-on, the growth of the North American market, and strong FOCUS ON CONTINUOUSLY EXPLORINGNEW OPPORTUNITIES. INTEGRATION REMAINS KEY ALSO FOR 2020. MARKET SYNERGIES DRIVENBY NORTHAMERICA. A success beyond expectations, driven by a committed and enthusiast management, that resulted in a good performance made possible by the operational cooperation among different teams with different competences. Andrea Pirondini, Chief Operating Officer at Prysmian Group