Interview with ACI Asia-Pacific New Director General: Stefano Baronci

This week marked the start of a new season for the Asia-Pacific Regional Office, with the arrival of Stefano Baronci into the office in Hong Kong to begin transition and handover with outgoing Regional Director Patti Chau. After the announcement of his appointment, Stefano arrived in Hong Kong with his family in early November and started his role as Director General on Monday 9 December. To give a pause to the countless meetings on the first couple of days to meet team members and familiarize with all that’s happening in the Regional Office, Jeannie Wong (JW), Head, External Affairs, sat down with Stefano (SB) for a more light-hearted chat.  

JW: Are you and your family all settled in your new home?  

SB: Not yet but we already feel comfortable in the environment and are intrigued by the vibe of the city, which is great motivation for my role.  

 

JW: What surprised you the most since arriving in the city?  

SB: The seafood! Seriously, we are amazed by the efficiency of the transportation system in the city. 

 

JW: What are you most excited to do in the Regional Office?  

SB: To nurture the culture of thinking strategically.  

 

JW: What do you foresee to be your biggest challenges?  

SB: The challenge will be speaking to the interests and serving the needs of our very diverse membership across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.  

 

JW: Coming from ACI World, what will you miss most in Montréal, besides the people?  

SB: Not the winter! But I still miss Rome more.  

 

JW: What languages do you speak? What language do you think in?  

SB: English, Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese. And I think in Italian. But I want to learn Putonghua too!  

JW: What makes you tick?  

SB: Learning about new cultures!  

JW: What three words would you use to describe yourself?  

SB: Empathetic, inclusive, and fair.  

ACI Asia-Pacific Team

Outgoing Regional Director Ms. Patti Chau and incoming Director General Stefano Baronci

Ms. Jeannie Wong, Head, External Affairs, sits down with Stefano for a light-hearted chat.  

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JW: Ok, let’s wrap up with some rapid-fire questions. Your answers will help us know what not to give you in the future!  

JW: What do you like - coffee or tea?

SB: Espresso.  

JW: Rice or pasta?

SB: Pasta, of course!  

JW: Chocolate or fruit?

SB: Depends on the fruit!  

JW: Walk or take taxi?

SB: Walk.  

JW: Beach or snowy mountain?

SB: Beach! 

JW: Weights in gym or jog outdoors?

SB: Swim outdoors!  

JW: Book or TV?

SB: Book.