WEX Europe Services, which owns and supplies the Esso Card in Europe, has promoted Luca Menicocci to head of sales for Italy as the company looks to expand the fuel card’s network.

Luca Menicocci, head of sales at WEX Europe Services Italy

Mr Menicocci joined the Italian business as sales manager in 2014. His new role will see him take responsibility for leading and managing direct reports to help achieve sales targets across the country, including promoting a better environment amongst the workforce to help them achieve outstanding results.

He will also look to drive the profile of WEX Europe Services in the country, explaining: “Most people are still not very familiar with our brand, as we are considered to be a young entrant in the market; however, with the link to Esso, we have a strong identity and better visibility, which puts us in a great position. This is a rapidly evolving market, in which we need to be making changes in order to compete. Our ability to implement long-term plans, as well as embracing the change, is very important.”

His appointment comes after a few years of changes for the Italian fuel card market, with large oil companies joining forces, leaving the market or adopting new business formats.

Recent changes at WEX have seen the integration of extra services, such as tolls and telematics, in addition to fuel. The firm is also looking into the possibility of being able to use Esso Card across a wider network in Italy and abroad.

Mr Menicocci added: “Esso is completing its retail network transition to a branded wholesaler format, while WEX Europe Services is planning the rollout of market-leading technologies. These are important steps to ensure we meet our customers’ needs. Managing customer relations and keeping them at a satisfactory level during this transition is clearly another challenge for us, but one we face with confidence and optimism.”

For more of the latest industry news, click here.