Massimo VITALE

Massimo Vitale

HR Executive, AI enthusiast, Strategic Mindset

Profile

Massimo Vitale
Venice, Italy
Italian | Fluent in English, Portuguese; Conversational Spanish

About Me
I’m a dynamic HR leader and university professor with over 15 years of experience driving business success through strategic human capital management. I specialize in building strong company cultures, boosting employee engagement, and leveraging AI and technology to enhance efficiency and profitability. With a knack for problem-solving and a passion for uplifting teams, I transform organizations by fostering talent, innovation, and peak performance. My positive energy and high EQ create trust and inspire collaboration, even in the most challenging environments.

Key Strengths

• Strategic HR Leadership: Drive profit and customer satisfaction by aligning talent strategies with business goals.
• Company Culture & Engagement: Build loyalty and reduce turnover through inspiring, inclusive cultures.
• Talent Development: Design training, coaching, and career plans to unlock individual and team potential.
• AI & Technology Integration: Use HRIS (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics, ZOHO) and innovative tools like VR to optimize operations.
• Change Management: Streamline processes, policies, and performance systems for operational excellence.
• Luxury Hospitality Expertise: Elevate guest experiences in high-end cruise and resort settings.
• Global Perspective: Lead diverse teams (90+ nationalities) with diplomacy and emotional intelligence.

Career Highlights

HR Director / HR Business Partner (Shipboard)

Celebrity Cruises | Oct 2024 – Present

Advise shipboard executives on HR strategy as part of the Executive Committee.
Lead talent acquisition, onboarding, and performance management to ensure top-tier service.

General Manager & HR Director (Seasonal)

Rodi Resort, Apulia, Italy | Jan 2023 – Sep 2024

Transformed a newly refurbished 4-star luxury resort into a top-rated destination (4.5/5 Tripadvisor, 8.3/10 Booking).
Led 38 employees, managed €800k budget, and boosted profits 28% (€1.3M revenue) by defining brand identity and targeting luxury clientele.
Spearheaded marketing, interior design (€100k budget), and menu creation for fine-dining restaurant.
Implemented property management software, trained staff, and secured strategic partnerships, increasing occupancy 73% (95% in Aug 2024).

Adjunct Professor

Ca’ Foscari University, Venice | Sep 2021 – Present

Teach graduate courses in HR Management, Organizational Design, and Innovation to 300+ students.
Supervise 21 theses and earn above-average student evaluations for engaging, practical teaching.
Guest lecturer at Parthenope, Suor Orsola Benincasa, and LUISS Business School on strategic HR and leadership.

Vice President of Human Resources

Confidential Arab Investment Company, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Nov 2019 – Dec 2022

Built HR department from scratch for a 7-star private resort, hiring 850 global talents by Jun 2021.
Designed company culture, SOPs, and Microsoft Dynamics HRIS, reducing hiring time from 14 to 6 weeks.
Certified 90 butlers and hired a 2-Michelin-star chef, achieving <9% annual turnover and triple bonuses in 2021.
Managed 150-villa employee compound, enhancing well-being and confidentiality.

HR Director

Carnival Cruise Line, Miami, FL | Jun 2014 – Sep 2019

Led HR for 1,300 crew from 90+ nationalities, improving guest satisfaction 24% and revenue 18% ($9.5M).
Saved $12M in crew logistics by streamlining travel and accommodation.
Turned around underperforming ships in 4 months, earning “#1 HR Director” and “Flagship Award” (2016).

HR Manager / Training Manager / Deputy Hotel Director / Onboard Revenue Manager / USPH-Food Safety Compliance Officer

MSC - Mediterranean Shipping Cruises | Jun 2007 – Mar 2014

Improved customer service 23% by enhancing crew welfare and training 1,300 crewmembers.
Implemented quality standards across the fleet, supporting operational excellence.

Education & Professional Development

MSc, Information Technology Software Development, De La Salle, Rome, Italy
BSc, Accounting and Information Technology, ITC Antonio Serra, Venice, Italy
Certifications: 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), Emotional Intelligence, Birkman & DISC, F&B Compliance (USPH, HACCP), Hotel Management
IT Skills: MS Office 365 + Co-Pilot, Microsoft Dynamics, ZOHO, SAP, Asana, Google Suite, Linux, C++, Visual Basic
Guest Lecturer (2010–Present): Strategic HR, Leadership, and Diversity at multiple universities.

Interests

• Fitness (gym 3 days on, 1 off)
• neuroscience
• music (former drummer)