Senior Vice President Education, Quality & Sustainability
illycaffè North America
A 30-plus-year company veteran, Mark Romano is a member of illy caffè’s company’s Global Sustainability Committee and its North America Executive Committee. He directs illy’s comprehensive North American education efforts, including Università Del Caffè, the company’s world-renowned course of study on coffee for consumers and professionals, held at the Culinary Institute of America and other culinary centers of excellence.
Mark leads major corporate social responsibility programs such as the company’s recycling program for used coffee capsules, energy saving programs and other environmentally-oriented initiatives. In his long-term role directing quality assurance and technical service, Mark led the strategic development of a national service and quality network, and oversees all of illy’s internal training and educational initiatives.
He has contributed to numerous global research and development projects (some earning international patents) and has developed systems, machines and products designed to enhance quality in the cup.