Savills appoints Marcello Zanfi as head of high street leasing in Italy

Savills has strengthened its Italian retail platform with the appointment of Marcello Zanfi as head of high street leasing, effective 16 September 2026. 

Marcello Zanfi

Based in Milan, Zanfi will lead Savills’ high street advisory business across the country, enhancing the firm’s ability to provide specialist leasing expertise to retailers, landlords and investors active in Italy’s most competitive shopping destinations.

In his new role, Zanfi will work closely with Savills’ global luxury retail team and leverage the firm’s international network across the world’s key retail markets. His arrival brings more than 20 years of experience in retail real estate, including 16 years at CBRE, where he held senior roles within the retail advisory division. Over his career, he has advised domestic and international retailers on expansion strategies, tenant‑landlord negotiations and the evolving dynamics shaping Europe’s high street and luxury retail sectors.

Zanfi’s appointment marks another milestone in the expansion of Savills’ Italian retail business, following the recent hires of Riccardo Crepaldi as head of retail management and Amanda Vissia as director, global luxury retail. Together, these additions reinforce Savills’ commitment to investing in senior talent and broadening its advisory capabilities across high street, luxury and retail asset management.

Davide Dalmiglio, CEO of Savills Italy, said Italy’s leading shopping streets have evolved into “sophisticated ecosystems where brand identity, customer experience and real estate value are closely interconnected.” He added that Zanfi’s arrival brings further momentum to the growth of Savills’ retail team, strengthening its ability to connect brands, property owners and investors through high‑value, strategic advice.

Zanfi said the retail market is undergoing significant transformation, driven by increasingly selective expansion strategies, growing market polarisation and the need for landlords to identify occupiers aligned with long‑term investment objectives. “Joining Savills represents an exciting professional opportunity,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to the development of the High Street Leasing business and supporting clients with innovative, integrated solutions that create long‑term value.”

Larry Brennan, head of European retail agency at Savills, noted that Italy remains one of Europe’s most influential retail markets. Zanfi’s appointment, he said, strengthens Savills’ ability to provide bespoke, on‑the‑ground advice to global brands entering or expanding in Italy, while complementing the firm’s wider European retail platform.