20 Years with Aprile: Walter Garattoni, Managing Director of Aprile Argentina

This year, Aprile celebrates an important milestone with one of its long-standing leaders. Walter Garattoni, Managing Director of Aprile Argentina, has recently marked 20 years with the company. Over the past two decades, Walter has played a pivotal role in building Aprile’s presence in Argentina and supporting the group’s global growth. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey with Aprile?

Twenty years ago, I was invited to help grow Aprile’s business in Argentina and to support the opening of Aprile’s offices in Asia. Everything happened very quickly, it feels like it was just yesterday!

Looking back at your 20 years with Aprile, what stands out as your proudest moment? One of my proudest moments was being able to accomplish the task for which I was hired: to create a commercial department that could seize all the opportunities Aprile offers, not only from Italy but from the entire world, generating strong export business. I also fondly remember the moment when I was given the responsibility to continue, as Director, the work that Captain Mauro Iacomini had carried out in leading the re-founding of Aprile in Argentina.

How has the logistics industry changed since you first started, and how has Aprile adapted in Argentina?

The world has changed completely, businesses have changed too, and the way of reaching customers was a very important challenge that we managed to understand in time, so as not to be left behind. In particular, Argentina is very dynamic, with many governments that drastically changed the direction of business. It was truly an extraordinary challenge.

What do you enjoy most about working at Aprile and leading the Argentina team?

Aprile is a company that embraces you, that makes you feel part of it. The human side of Aprile is always present, without forgetting that it is also a multinational company. I feel at home here. We have managed to create an office environment where people feel comfortable and everyone finds a true sense of belonging.

Is there a particular project or challenge that taught you something valuable you still carry with you today?

The processes of inflation and devaluation in Argentina, and the Covid-19 pandemic, were extreme situations that we fortunately managed to overcome. None of these were expected, and yet we did not have to let go of a single employee. Both processes were dramatic, but after having overcome them, I believe in the saying that no calm sea ever made a skilled sailor. Today they are memories, but they surely left a mark on each of us.

What advice would you give to younger colleagues starting their careers in logistics at Aprile?

First, I would tell them: welcome to a company that will give you the opportunity to learn and then allow you to grow. It’s up to them to become the best version of themselves. And as my grandfather used to say: if your job is to sweep the floor, be the best at it!