RAI is undergoing a significant strategic and organizational transformation, marked by a sweeping set of leadership changes approved during a Board of Directors meeting held in Rome. Among the most notable shifts is the departure of Luca Milano, a defining figure in Italian children’s programming, who is retiring after more than three decades with the broadcaster. Cecilia Padula, formerly VP of Kids & Family Channels Southern Europe at Warner Bros. Discovery, will take over as Head of Rai Kids beginning April 2, 2025.
The appointment of Padula coincides with a broader restructuring of RAI’s macro-organizational model, which now introduces a new Coordination of Genres Department to align content creation across divisions. This department will be led by Stefano Coletta, while Maurizio Imbriale, formerly Director of Digital and Transmedia Content, will replace him as head of the Distribution Department. Marcello Ciannamea, previously Director of Prime Time Entertainment, will transition into the role of Director of Digital and Transmedia Content, with Williams Di Liberatore assuming Ciannamea’s former position.
Within the content genres, more moves reflect the broadcaster’s evolving direction. Roberto Genovesi, previously Director of Rai Libri, will now lead Rai Kids, overseeing production, editorial strategy, and brand positioning under Padula's leadership. Meanwhile, Rosanna Pastore will head Animation and Teen Production, and Barbara Santoro will manage Digital and Educational Content—both reporting into the newly reorganized Rai Kids division.
Milano, who joined RAI in 1992, leaves behind a respected legacy. He was central to the rise of Rai Yoyo and Rai Gulp as leading children’s channels in Italy and drove numerous international co-productions, public service initiatives, and cross-border partnerships. He also played an active role within organizations such as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Prix Jeunesse, advocating for high-quality, socially conscious kids content. Though he is stepping down from Rai Kids, Milano will remain within RAI in a new capacity.
Padula’s extensive experience in the kids’ content space includes managing the Italian launches of Cartoonito and overseeing multiple brands at Warner Bros. Discovery. Her leadership is expected to support RAI’s ambition to integrate digital strategy with traditional broadcasting, especially in a competitive, platform-fragmented media environment.
Beyond Rai Kids, the Board confirmed several additional appointments: Pierluca Terzulli as Head of Tg3, Roberto Pacchetti at Tgr, and Paolo Petrecca as Head of RaiSport. Federico Zurzolo, previously Deputy Director of In-Depth Journalism, will now lead RaiNews. Fabrizio Zappi, former Head of Rai Documentaries, is appointed Director of Culture and Educational Programming, with Luigi Del Plavignano stepping up as his replacement at Rai Documentaries. Maria Rita Grieco, departing from Tg1, has been named Director of Rai’s International Offerings, replacing the retiring Fabrizio Ferragni. Additionally, Marco Caputo will take over leadership of Rai Radio.
The meeting also addressed structural and labor developments. CEO Giampaolo Rossi presented the results of an internal employee referendum, which saw a 75% participation rate and nearly 80% approval for the renewal of the Collective Labor Agreement. This agreement is seen as essential to RAI’s transformation into a modern Digital Media Company, as outlined in its current Service Agreement.
The CEO further updated the Board on legal disputes and on the ongoing public tender related to the Sanremo Festival. Regarding editorial staffing, discussions continue on the stabilization of freelance personnel in the context of current incentive measures, pending dialogue with trade unions.
This extensive reshuffling underscores RAI’s shift toward streamlined operations, stronger genre coordination, and digital integration—laying the groundwork for its long-term vision in both content strategy and workforce modernization. With Cecilia Padula taking the reins at Rai Kids, the broadcaster signals a clear intention to maintain its leadership in children’s programming while adapting to new audience behaviors and international standards.
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