Giacomo Battafarano

Experienced international hotelier Giacomo Battafarano has returned to Sicily and been named as the new General Manager of Verdura Resort.
Battafarano, born in 1974 and originally from Matera, brings a wealth of knowledge with him to the iconic Sicilian resort - a Rocco Forte Hotel - which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

After gaining a Master in Hospitality Management qualification at the LUISS School of Business and Management in Rome, Battafarano began his career in the luxury hotel industry with a five-year spell as Hotel Manager at Forte Village Resort. From Sardinia he moved to Portugal, where he held the position of Operations Director at Le Meridien Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf course.

He returned to Italy at the historic Hotel Imperiale in Taormina, where he oversaw its reopening after a complete renovation, while, in his most recent role, he spent five years managing London's Xenia Hotel, which included supervising the total rebranding of the Kensington property.