BOARD MEMBER INTERVIEW

A senior marketing executive and brand strategist with over 20 years of international experience, Julka Villa has built, relaunched, and scaled iconic lifestyle and legacy brands across the globe. Most recently, she served as the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Campari Group. With a Master’s degree in Economics from Bocconi and a career spanning the beverage, luxury, and premium consumer goods sectors, Julka brings deep expertise in brand positioning, global go-to-market strategies, and leading cross-cultural teams to drive growth and creative excellence.

Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
A fun fact about me is that I have a wide range of interests that might seem quite different from one another, except for the intimate connection I feel with each of them. I devour thrillers and love binge-watching suspense series from the Nordics. At the same time, I’m passionate about medieval instrumental music. I also have a deep love for South America, especially Brazil, where I lived for several years. I’m truly enamored with the country, its people, culture, and cuisine. I can wholeheartedly confirm the saying: “Você pode sair do Brasil, mas o Brasil não sai de você” — you can leave Brazil, but Brazil never leaves you. That’s exactly how it is for me!

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you live by?
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t” by Eleonor Roosevelt. This quote reminds me that in leadership and life, you can’t please everyone — and that conviction, integrity, and thoughtful action are more important than universal approval. It’s a reminder to move forward with courage, even in the face of ambiguity or judgment.

Q: What does philantrophy mean to you, and how does it guide your role on the board and beyond?
To me, philanthropy is about giving back with intention, sense of purpose and in full alignment with my values, leveraging my resources, experience, and network to create lasting impact. Well beyond the financial aspect, it is about time, mentorship, and strategic thinking. As a Board Member of Friends of Bocconi, philanthropy means supporting the next generation of global talent and fostering access to world-class education that our Alma Mater has been providing since the last century. It’s a way to invest in ideas, people, and such an institution with the power to shape the future for the better. I would like this spirit to guide my contribution on the board — helping to build bridges between Donors, Alumni, and the University — and also enrich my broader professional and personal values

Q: What Inspired you to Join the board of Friends of Bocconi and how long have you been a board member?
I joined the Board of Friends of Bocconi in February 2025, motivated by a deep sense of gratitude and connection to the university that played a pivotal role in shaping both my education and career. Bocconi instilled in me not only academic rigor, but also a global mindset, a strong professional foundation, helping me shaping my vision about the future. My decision was also encouraged by the respect I held for several board members I had come to know prior to joining — individuals whose commitment and integrity I valued. It’s an honor to contribute to support Bocconi in the United States, country where I live and operate.

Q: How do you see the organization growing in the next few years?
I see Friends of Bocconi continuing to grow as a dynamic platform for international engagement, philanthropy, and community-building around the values of academic excellence and societal impact that Bocconi holds dear. In the coming years, I believe the organization can deepen its role as a bridge between Bocconi and its awareness and footprint in the US by expanding alumni involvement, strengthening partnerships with business and cultural institutions, and increasing support for scholarships.