From Regulation to Reinvention: Inside BRT’s Strategic Transformation

The challenge? Turning compliance into a strategic advantage 

As Italy’s leading express transport operator, BRT plays a vital role in connecting people, businesses and communities ౼ with over 200 branches establishing a strong presence across the country. 

In recent years, the logistics sector in Italy has faced heightened regulatory scrutiny, prompting a national audit into subcontracting practices. The goal: to reinforce governance, enhance compliance, and ensure greater transparency.  

This involved a thorough audit and the implementation of a transformation plan ranging from procurement to contracting, including the remuneration of services and the internalisation of certain categories of personnel.  

For BRT, this sparked the launch of a far-reaching transformation plan. Enter Project Galileo.  

Project Galileo: bringing a people-first vision into operational reality 

Named after Galileo Galilei, the project draws inspiration from a mindset of clarity, vision and bold transformation. Just as the telescope changed our understanding of the world, Project Galileo challenges BRT to see its business through a new lens. 

Project Galileo goes beyond regulatory response ౼ it’s about bringing a people-first vision into operational reality. It ensures that standards are not only met but become the foundation for smarter, stronger business.  

We must be profitable, but with a true, sustainable, long-term profitability and above all with great attention to all the people who work for us, to the community, an attention to the ethical approach, to business.” - Stefania Pezzetti, CEO of BRT 

This bold, people-focused leadership is part of what earned Stefania Pezzetti a spot on the Forbes Top 100 Women list ౼ a prestigious recognition that underscores her commitment to cultivating a collaborative environment that aims to enhance individual potential. 

Launched in early 2025, the programme is driven by a dedicated Transformation Office, bringing together Transformation Managers and Programme Managers to guide execution, monitor progress, and align every initiative with the company’s core ambitions. 

Focus 1: Consolidating the core business 

At the heart of the transformation is a renewed commitment to strengthen BRT’s operational foundation. Targeted investments in logistics infrastructure and sorting capacity are helping to fortify the backbone of its service model. 

• Ensuring a robust logistics model

One of the plan’s major milestones is the internalisation of 1,300 warehouse operators by the end of 2025, bringing greater stability across the network.

• Transforming the external supplier strategy 

In parallel, BRT has rationalised its external supplier network — significantly reducing its size and partnering exclusively with certified contractors that meet strict legal and contractual standards. This approach came into full effect following the company’s exit from receivership in April 2024, marking a clear new chapter of responsible growth. 

• Delivering real results for employees 

These efforts are already delivering tangible results ౼ including improved working conditions, more stable and equitable contracts, increased efficiency through digitalisation and a strengthened strategic position focused on innovation, sustainability and high-value segments. 

Focus 2: Boosting new growth areas

As customer needs evolve, BRT is scaling its infrastructure and expertise to match, taking aim at high-potential growth segments — particularly e-commerce and out-of-home (OOH) delivery, where demand continues to rise. 

• Spotlight on BRT Fresh 

A standout example is the rapid expansion of BRT Fresh, the company’s temperature-controlled network for food deliveries. With double-digit growth, this segment is a key lever for meeting evolving customer expectations. 

• Building a more sustainable fleet 

Sustainability is also a central pillar of Project Galileo. BRT is electrifying its fleet — with roughly 1,000 electric vehicles already in service — and expanding its charging infrastructure across Italy. These steps are part of a broader effort to optimise operations, rethink business models, and embed sustainability into the company’s long-term strategy.