Paolo Cortelazzi
About
Ex-corporate exec turned startup builder with a track record of scaling brands and teams.
I'm a former corporate marketing leader turned startup builder, with 10+ years of experience scaling brands, leading cross-functional teams, and launching high-impact projects across Europe. From growing global outdoor brands at VF Corp to founding ticinopass, I blend strategic vision with hands-on execution to drive real business results. I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity, ownership, and purpose meet.
Social Media:
Skills
B2C Marketing
Brand Marketing
Business Development Consultancy
Digital Business Development
Digital Marketing
Integrated Multi-Channel Marketing
Small Business Development
Open for
cofounder
fulltime
Work Experience
ticinopass
2024-06 - 2025-04
Managing Director
Ticino
fulltime
• Envisioned and led the launch of ticinopass, an all-inclusive seasonal ski pass for multiple resorts across Ticino. • Built and managed partnerships with regional stakeholders (sponsors, cantonal offices, tourism agencies, media) to enhance tourism initiatives. • Developed and executed strategic marketing campaigns, boosting brand visibility and reach.
Vf Corporation
2014-06 - 2024-06
Brand Marketing & eCom Lead
Ticino
fulltime
icebreaker / Oct 2021 - Jun 2024 Orchestrated the alignment of brand long-term strategy with seasonal campaigns across EMEA, NORA, and APAC regions, overseeing ideation and content management across owned, earned, and paid channels. • Directed the Global Go-To-Market (GTM) process from a brand perspective, providing pivotal support for long-term strategy implementation. • Managed a cross-functional team of 4 individuals, comprising 2 direct reports and 2 dotted line relationships. Altra Running / Feb 2019 - Sep 2021 • Spearheaded the establishment of marketing activities and E-commerce operations across the EMEA region, resulting in a remarkable 7x growth compared to FY19, with 20% attributed to E- commerce sales. • Propelled Altra Running to become one of the top 5 most sought-after trail running footwear brands. • Led and mentored a team of 4 professionals to achieve strategic objectives. Reef & SmartWool / Jul 2014 - Jan 2019 • Directed European marketing and E-commerce initiatives for Reef & Smartwool brands, overseeing brand repositioning efforts and expansion into new territories. • Managed a team of 3 individual to execute marketing strategies and drive brand growth.
Hugo Boss
2014-03 - 2014-06
Brand Marketing Coordinator
Ticino
internship
Mondelez
2013-05 - 2014-02
Brand Marketing Coordinator
Italy
internship
Academic Experience
Copenhagen Business School -
2011.09 - 2013.06
Master of Science, MSc in Business Administration
EM LYON BUSINESS SCHOOL -
2012.09 - 2012.12
Master of Science, MSc in Business Administration (Exchange Program)
University of Sydney -
2011.01 - 2011.06
Bachelor of Science, BSc in Business Administration (Exchange Program)
Università della Svizzera italiana -
2008.09 - 2011.06
Bachelor of Arts, BA in Economics