The University of Italian Switzerland is entering a new phase in its internal organization with the appointment of Alan Valnegri as Chief Operating Officer. The decision was made by the University Council, following a public selection process, upon the recommendation of the interim Rector. Gabriele Balbi.
The selection follows a process involving approximately sixty candidates, confirming the interest sparked by a strategic position for the university's operations and development. The winning candidate was a candidate characterized by solid academic preparation and a cross-disciplinary professional background, built over two decades of experience in highly complex organizational sectors.
Born in 1978 and a Swiss citizen, Alan Valnegri earned his high school diploma from the Cantonal School of Commerce in Bellinzona. He subsequently earned a degree in Management Informatics from HEC Lausanne University in 2002. Over time, he has complemented his university education with numerous international certifications, further enhancing his profile with recent specializations in innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
His professional career is distinguished by an interdisciplinary approach that combines technological expertise, managerial skills, and strategic vision. Throughout his career, Valnegri has worked in diverse contexts, all sharing a strong need for transformation and adaptation: from auditing to banking to healthcare. In each of these fields, he has gained experience in operational management and the definition of innovation-oriented strategies.
The position of Chief Operating Officer plays a central role in USI's structure, coordinating the administrative and organizational processes that support academic activities, research, and services to the university community. Alan Valnegri's appointment is therefore part of a process of consolidation and development, at a time when academic institutions are faced with increasingly complex challenges, from the digitalization of processes to organizational sustainability.
His experience in digital transformation is one of his most valuable assets. In a constantly evolving university environment, the ability to integrate technological innovation, management efficiency, and long-term vision is a crucial factor in sustaining the institution's competitiveness and attractiveness.
In announcing the appointment, interim Rector Gabriele Balbi expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the selection process, emphasizing the value of the new Chief Operating Officer's professional experience and its suitability to the university's needs.
Special thanks were also extended to Milan Savic, who served as Interim Chief Operating Officer, ensuring continuity of services and smooth operations during the transition phase.
With Alan Valnegri's appointment, USI aims to further strengthen its management structure, entrusting him with a figure capable of combining innovation, organizational skills, and leadership. This is a forward-looking appointment, with the goal of supporting the university in its upcoming growth and development challenges.
