Elena Sorlini: “Grandi Stazioni Retail plays a unique role at the crossroads of mobility, cities, and people, shaping the passenger experience across some of the country’s most iconic railway stations.”

After almost five years with Abu Dhabi Airports (ADA) – including, most recently, two years as Managing Director and CEO – Elena Sorlini has been enticed back to Italy to work for Grandi Stazioni Retail (GSR) as its CEO. She joined on 1 January.

Headquartered in Rome, GSR has the exclusive commercial and advertising rights at 14 of Italy’s busiest railway stations until 2047. They include architectural gems such as Milano Centrale, a blend of Neoclassical and Art Deco styles, and Napoli Afragola, a futuristic structure of white concrete and glass, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Sorlini – who oversaw ADA’s Zayed International, Al Ain International, Al Bateen Executive, Delma Island, and Sir Bani Yas Island airports in Abu Dabi in the United Arab Emirates – said on social media: “After many years abroad, it feels truly special to be back home and to begin this new chapter in Italy, while continuing my journey in the world of travel retail. Grandi Stazioni Retail plays a unique role at the crossroads of mobility, cities, and people, shaping the passenger experience across some of the country’s most iconic railway stations.”

GSR emerged in 2016 from the demerger and sale of the company, Grandi Stazioni SpA (Italian State Railways Group) and, from its inception, has made some significant commercial transformations at the stations it operates. Since 2024, the company has been owned by German asset manager DWS Group, and Canadian pension fund arm OMERS Infrastructure.

‘Not just transit hubs’

Sorlini described the 14 rail stations (across 11 cities) she is now responsible for as “not just transit hubs, but vibrant urban destinations where retail, services, and everyday life come together”. She said that she would focus on building on the strong foundations already in place and continue to innovate “to further enhance the experience for millions of travellers every year”.

Roma Termini is the busiest station in the GSR portfolio.

GSR has more than 770 retail units under its wing, covering 165,000sq m. Annual visitors to these stores total 776 million. The company is also responsible for digital advertising with around 1,800 ad sites. Branded store arrivals over the past 12 months, both permanent and pop-ups, have included NYX Professional Makeup and Pierre Hermé at Milano Centrale Station, and Eataly at Roma Termini Station.

Italy is one of Europe’s busiest rail markets, and high‑speed services and major station upgrades have driven sustained recovery since the pandemic. It is thought that GSR will benefit from these strong tailwinds, as well as travellers prioritising rail’s sustainability benefits.

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