Global Spotlights
Food for thought: USF MBA alum uses tech expertise to rewire how London eats
Jacopo Arpesani was already well into his professional journey when he moved from a technology company in Switzerland to work for global data company Nielsen at its operations center in Oldsmar, Florida. Arpensani had long aspired to move to the U.S. to experience a new culture, and the role at Nielsen offered him a unique chance to expand his professional horizons. He had another ambition as well — to earn an MBA. And that’s where the Muma College of Business and its Executive MBA program became a part of Arpesani’s story.
Arpesani’s path has since taken him to London, where he is the chief operating office and managing director of Natoora, a London-based company that uses the best tools in supply chain management to deliver wholesome, seasonal fruits and vegetables to restaurants, grocery stores and individual consumers. The company sources directly from growers, allowing it to deliver produce at its peak of nutrition and taste.
Arpensani is an active member of USF Network United Kingdom and shared his story with USF World.
Despite his demanding schedule he finds time to engage with his alma mater. In April he introduced Natoora’s operations to USF World’s AVP Bessie Skoures and shared his career journey with USF students. Then in June, he connected with other UK-based alums at the USF in London welcome dinner hosted by USF.
Q: Tell us how you came to pursue your MBA at USF? What drew you to the program?
Pursuing an MBA had been a long-standing aspiration for me. As my professional career became increasingly demanding, I recognized the need to deepen my understanding of business administration across various domains. When I relocated to Tampa as part of my role with Nielsen, I began exploring local MBA programs and USF immediately stood out. The program offered comprehensive coverage of the areas I aimed to strengthen and demonstrated a strong international perspective while being deeply embedded in the local community. The Executive MBA program, despite its rigorous nature, was designed to accommodate the demands of both professional and personal life, making it an ideal fit. The supportive learning environment, combined with the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, reinforced my decision to choose USF. This blend of academic rigor, practical relevance, and community integration made the USF MBA program the perfect choice for advancing my career.
Q: How did you then come to join Natoora?
A few years after completing my MBA, I felt a strong desire to pursue an entrepreneurial path, applying the skills and knowledge I had gained in both a large corporate environment and through my postgraduate studies. I was particularly drawn to businesses with a clear mission and impact. Natoora, with its commitment to revolutionizing the food system towards a sustainable and flavor-driven future, resonated deeply with my values and aspirations. The opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organization, where my work could significantly impact the greater good, was compelling. Joining Natoora in London allowed me to utilize my expertise to help scale a smaller business with a meaningful mission, aligning my professional growth with my personal values and passion for sustainable practices.
Addressing the food system's challenges involves two interconnected key concepts: promoting sustainable farming practices and educating consumers about the impact of their choices. Sustainable farming preserves our soil and heritage, ensuring long-term environmental health, while informed consumers can drive demand for responsibly produced food. I believe technology is a crucial enabler in this context, offering innovative solutions to improve farming techniques, enhance supply chain transparency, and provide consumers with the information they need to make better choices.
Q: Any personal recollections of your time at USF that stand out?
I have many fond memories from my time at USF, particularly enjoying the classes taught by (information systems) professors Jerry Koehler and Grandon Gill. These classes were not only intellectually stimulating but also provided practical insights that I continue to use in my career. Additionally, I formed lifelong friendships that remain strong to this day. My experience at USF was truly transformational, equipping me with the tools and confidence to take a bold step into entrepreneurship. The supportive environment and comprehensive education gave me the freedom to pursue my purpose, leading to personal and professional gratifications that would have been difficult to achieve otherwise. The blend of academic excellence and community fostered at USF played a pivotal role in shaping my career path and aspirations.