Elena Sorlini: Driving Innovation and Strategic Growth Across Global Infrastructure and Transportation

Infrastructure Executive | Aviation Leader | Strategic Transformation Expert

Strong infrastructure leadership requires more than operational expertise—it demands strategic vision, financial discipline, and the ability to transform complex organizations into engines of sustainable growth. Elena Sorlini, Chief Executive Officer of Grandi Stazioni Retail, has built an international career leading some of the world’s most significant infrastructure, aviation, logistics, and transportation organizations through periods of transformation, expansion, and long-term value creation.

With decades of executive leadership across Europe and the Middle East, she continues to shape the future of infrastructure by combining strategic investment expertise with operational excellence.

Leading the Future of Grandi Stazioni Retail

In January 2026, Elena Sorlini assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Grandi Stazioni Retail, bringing extensive international leadership experience to one of Italy’s leading retail and mobility infrastructure organizations.

Her appointment reflects a career dedicated to managing complex infrastructure assets while creating sustainable commercial value through innovation, strategic planning, and operational performance.

As CEO, she is focused on strengthening Grandi Stazioni Retail’s position by enhancing customer experiences, maximizing commercial opportunities, and supporting the continued evolution of transportation hubs into vibrant destinations for travelers and communities.

“Great infrastructure connects more than places—it creates opportunities for people, businesses, and economies to thrive.”

A Distinguished Career in Aviation Leadership

Before joining Grandi Stazioni Retail, Elena served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, where she led one of the Middle East’s most strategically important aviation organizations during a period of significant transformation.

Her leadership focused on operational excellence, strategic growth, infrastructure development, and enhancing passenger experience while supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification objectives.

She also represented the aviation industry internationally as a Board Member of Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East, contributing to discussions that shape the future of airports, connectivity, and global aviation development.

Building Value Through Strategic Investment

Throughout her career, Elena has successfully combined executive management with investment leadership across infrastructure-intensive industries.

Her experience includes senior executive responsibilities within ADQ, where she led strategic investments across aviation, transport, and logistics, helping develop long-term investment strategies that strengthened critical infrastructure assets while supporting regional economic growth.

Her expertise spans:

• Infrastructure investment strategy
• Aviation and airport management
• Logistics transformation
• Strategic planning
• Financial management
• Regulatory governance
• Operational optimization
• Corporate growth and expansion

This multidisciplinary perspective enables her to balance commercial performance with long-term strategic development.

“Sustainable growth is achieved when strategic vision, operational excellence, and disciplined investment work together.”

Driving Transformation Across Global Infrastructure

Elena’s leadership journey has taken her across multiple international markets, including Italy, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

Throughout these roles, she has consistently delivered transformational initiatives that strengthened organizational performance while navigating complex regulatory environments and evolving market demands.

Her experience in both public infrastructure and private investment has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of how strategic governance, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration create resilient organizations capable of adapting to rapidly changing industries.

Strengthening Governance Through Board Leadership

Beyond executive management, Elena has served on the boards of numerous organizations operating across aviation, aerospace, logistics, and transportation.

Her board leadership reflects deep expertise in corporate governance, investment oversight, strategic decision-making, and organizational development.

By contributing at both executive and board levels, she has helped organizations improve governance structures while supporting sustainable long-term growth across highly regulated industries.

A Global Perspective on Infrastructure Development

Elena’s international career has provided valuable insight into how infrastructure supports economic development, trade, tourism, and regional competitiveness.

Whether overseeing airport operations, managing transportation investments, or leading strategic planning initiatives, she has consistently focused on creating integrated systems that deliver value for governments, businesses, investors, and customers alike.

Her ability to operate across multiple international markets demonstrates the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and forward-looking leadership in today’s global economy.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Infrastructure Leaders

As infrastructure sectors continue to evolve through digital innovation, sustainability initiatives, and changing customer expectations, leaders like Elena Sorlini demonstrate how strategic leadership can successfully bridge investment, operations, governance, and long-term transformation.

Her career serves as an example of how international experience, financial expertise, and operational excellence can drive meaningful progress across industries that shape national and regional development.

Recognition by The CEO Network

The CEO Network proudly recognizes Elena Sorlini for her exceptional contributions to infrastructure leadership, aviation transformation, and strategic investment management. Through her leadership at Grandi Stazioni Retail and her distinguished executive roles across the global transportation and infrastructure sectors, she continues to advance innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Her ability to lead complex organizations while delivering long-term value has established her as one of the most respected executives shaping the future of mobility, infrastructure, and strategic development.