EXPERIENCE: Roberto’s career in private equity brings valuable experience to Smith & Nephew, particularly when evaluating acquisitions and new business opportunities. He has an in-depth understanding of differing global governance requirements having served as a director and Chairman of a number of UK and international companies. Since his appointment as Chairman in April 2014, he has conducted a comprehensive review into the composition of the Board and its Committees, and conducted the search for new Non-Executive Directors resulting in the appointment of Vinita Bali in 2014, Erik Engstrom and Robin Freestone during 2015.   Roberto is a graduate and a former Trustee of the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester (MA), US. He started his career as a manager trainee at David Gessner Ltd, before moving on to Worcester Controls Corporation and then BTR plc, where he was a divisional Chief Executive. Between 1985 and 1989 he was Executive VP of Hitchiner Manufacturing Co. Inc. He returned to BTR plc in 1989 as Divisional Chief Executive, where he was appointed to the main board. From here he moved to BBA Aviation plc, as CEO and then as Chairman, until 2007. He has held several board positions, including NED of Powergen plc, Equant N.V., BAE Systems plc and Foster Wheeler AG. His previous Chairmanships include Italtel SpA, Rexel S.A., IMI plc. He was also a Member of the Investment Committee of Fondo Strategico Italiano until 31 March 2016. He is currently Chairman of WPP plc and SPIE SA and a partner at Clayton Dubilier & Rice.

 surgery