Stefania Stera
Rome
Profilo professionale
Senior finance executive with over 25 years of international experience in strategic finance, corporate development, M&A, business transformation and performance management within the utilities and infrastructure sectors. Extensive track record in leading complex financial and extraordinary transactions, negotiating with regulatory authorities and institutional stakeholders, managing relationships with banks, investment funds and rating agencies, and driving international growth initiatives. Recognized for combining strong financial expertise with strategic vision, operational leadership and governance capabilities in highly regulated and capital-intensive environments.
Panoramica
32
32
years of professional experience
Esperienza lavorativa
Chief Financial Officer
LuxEntertainment
Rome
2025.01 - 2026.05
- Leading finance, strategic planning and operational optimization initiatives to support company growth and financial sustainability.
- Started company-wide process optimization initiatives aimed at reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.
- Improved debt-to-equity ratio through restructuring of existing debt and optimization of cost structure.
- Successfully concluded SIMEST equity investment transaction in the foreign subsidiary.
- Supporting executive management in strategic financial planning and international development activities.
- Coordinated and supervised due diligence processes involving investment banks, legal advisors and tax consultants.
- Successfully coordinated the completion of a €25 million private equity equity investment transaction.
Senior Financial Advisor
Arcus Financial Advisors
Milan
2024.01 - 2025.01
- Supported clients in evaluating investment opportunities and transaction structures.
- Coordinated financial analysis and strategic assessment activities for M&A projects.
Head of Business Development, Performance Management & Sustainability Director
ACEA
Rome
2018.01 - 2024.01
- Led international business performance management activities across overseas subsidiaries.
- Implemented a new management control framework and KPI monitoring system for international operations.
- Designed and launched sustainability and ESG initiatives for foreign subsidiaries.
- Negotiated regulatory and institutional frameworks with local authorities and stakeholders.
- Supported strategic international expansion and governance initiatives.
Head of M&A, Strategic Development & International Business
ACEA
Rome
2015.01 - 2018.01
- Led strategic acquisitions and extraordinary finance transactions.
- Coordinated and supervised due diligence processes involving investment banks, legal advisors and tax consultants.
- Managed acquisitions including Sever Trent Italia and Umbria Due.
- Oversaw impairment test activities and reporting to the CFO and Internal Audit Committee.
- Supported international strategic development initiatives and partnership evaluations.
- Successfully coordinated strategic M&A and equity investment transactions.
Head of Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Group Controlling
ACEA
Rome
2000.01 - 2015.01
- Led Group budgeting, industrial planning and controlling activities.
- Coordinated multi-year industrial plans and intra-group service agreements.
- Oversaw strategic infrastructure and utility transactions, including:
- Acquisition of Enel’s electricity distribution grid in Rome;
- Sale of high-voltage transmission assets to Terna;
- Coordination of activities related to the Acea–Electrabel joint venture.
- Managed financial planning and performance monitoring activities for complex regulated businesses.
- Supported executive management in strategic investment decisions and financial governance.
Financial Controller
Enel
Rome
1999.01 - 2000.01
- Managed financial controlling activities within the electricity distribution business.
- Supported budgeting, reporting and operational financial analysis processes.
Controller
IPM
Naples
1996.01 - 1999.01
- Responsible for controlling and financial reporting activities.
- Supported management accounting and financial analysis processes.
Financial Analysis & Government Bond Trading
Banco di Napoli
Naples
1994.01 - 1996.01
- Performed government bond trading (MOT market) and financial analysis activities.
- Supported treasury and market operations.
Istruzione
Degree - Corporate Finance
University of Naples Federico II
Naples1993-01
Chartered Accountant & Auditor Qualification - undefined
University of Naples Federico II
Naples1994-01
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - undefined
STOA' Business School
Naples1994-01
Competenze
- Corporate Finance & Strategic Planning
- M&A and Private Equity Transactions
- Financial Restructuring
- Business Transformation & Performance Management
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Controlling
- International Development
- Regulatory Negotiations
- Sustainability & ESG Strategy
- Due Diligence Coordination
- KPI Governance & Reporting
- Board & Stakeholder Management
- Investor & Banking Relations
LANGUAGES
Italian — Native
English — Proficient
Spanish — Advanced
Cronologia
Chief Financial Officer
LuxEntertainment
2025.01 - 2026.05
Senior Financial Advisor
Arcus Financial Advisors
2024.01 - 2025.01
Head of Business Development, Performance Management & Sustainability Director
ACEA
2018.01 - 2024.01
Head of M&A, Strategic Development & International Business
ACEA
2015.01 - 2018.01
Head of Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Group Controlling
ACEA
2000.01 - 2015.01
Financial Controller
Enel
1999.01 - 2000.01
Controller
IPM
1996.01 - 1999.01
Financial Analysis & Government Bond Trading
Banco di Napoli
1994.01 - 1996.01
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - undefined
STOA' Business School
Chartered Accountant & Auditor Qualification - undefined
University of Naples Federico II
Degree - Corporate Finance
University of Naples Federico II