Velcro Companies names new CEO

Gabriella Parisse, CEO of Velcro Companies

Gabriella Parisse has been named the first female CEO of Velcro  Companies, the Manchester-based developer and manufacturer of fastening solutions.

Parisse, who will take over as CEO on Nov. 1, succeeds Jeff Malcolm, who has announced his retirement but will remain a member of the company’s board of directors. Until then, she will serve as Velcro’s president.

Parisse, who has more than 30 years of international experience, spending 26 years with Johnson & Johnson where she served in a variety of global senior leadership roles. She joined Velcro in October 2018, most recently serving as chief growth officer.

“Gabriella has a track record of success and brings extensive global experience across commercial, marketing and innovation in consumer goods and B2B,” said Malcolm. “She is the right person to lead Velcro Companies.”

In addition, the company promoted three employees to executive leadership team roles. They are:

• Andrew Ellis, who becomes chief commercial officer-Americas
• Roberto Travella, chief commercial officer-EMEA/APAC
• Chitra Ebenezer, chief marketing officer.