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From YOKAI International to Horizon — the 34-year-old award-winning CEO is redefining leadership, structure, and sustainable growth for a new generation of European entrepreneurs.
At just 34, Gianluca Serafinelli has emerged as one of the most accomplished young leaders shaping the future of European business. An award-winning CEO, recognized international innovator, and strategic visionary, he stands at the intersection of structure and creativity — blending discipline with modern leadership to build organizations that last.
As the CEO and Co-founder of YOKAI International, President of W.K.O. Italy, and Founder and Head of Horizon, Serafinelli is not just leading companies — he’s building ecosystems of excellence. His management style, rooted in what he defines as “Vertical Leadership,” has become a model admired by many and practiced by few: precise, meritocratic, and purpose-driven.
Serafinelli’s journey began with an unwavering commitment to mastery. After excelling academically, he pursued a Master’s in Leadership Behaviour at the prestigious SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, where he specialized in behavioral leadership, strategic governance, and team management.
Determined to expand his global outlook, he further earned a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland (USA) — a milestone that gave him access to international business frameworks and cross-cultural innovation strategies.
This hybrid Italian-American education forged his signature leadership DNA — a blend of methodological rigor and entrepreneurial vision, shaping him into one of the most structured yet forward-thinking leaders of his generation.
At the helm of YOKAI International, Serafinelli leads an organization active in sports, training, and human development — one that embodies sustainability, strategy, and innovation. Under his leadership, the company has expanded exponentially across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, driven by strategic adaptability and a culture of operational excellence.
His leadership ensures that YOKAI International remains more than a business — it’s a global movement dedicated to empowering people and organizations to perform at their highest level.
As President of W.K.O. Italy (World Kombat Organization), Serafinelli promotes the development of professional and amateur combat sports, focusing on athlete training, certification, and performance recognition. His influence extends beyond sports — his initiatives aim to integrate structure, meritocracy, and discipline into every field he touches.
Meanwhile, through Horizon, Serafinelli mentors companies and startups in strategy, branding, and global scalability. The firm acts as a bridge between innovation and execution, offering strategic roadmaps for businesses aiming to expand internationally — a testament to his ability to translate vision into tangible growth.
2025 has solidified Gianluca Serafinelli’s status among the elite of global management. His achievements include:
Each award represents not just recognition, but validation of a leadership model rooted in clarity, accountability, and disciplined innovation.
At the core of Serafinelli’s philosophy lies his hallmark approach — Vertical Leadership. This model champions a clear chain of command, structured communication, and strategic hierarchy as tools for precision and progress.
Far from being restrictive, Serafinelli’s vertical system enhances organizational focus and amplifies results. It is grounded on four fundamental principles:
This structured yet human approach has not only defined Serafinelli’s success but has also begun influencing leadership studies across Europe and beyond.
Looking ahead, Gianluca Serafinelli aims to further expand YOKAI International’s global footprint, scale the operations of W.K.O. Italy, and position Horizon as a premier platform for international business transformation.
He is also expected to publish a book on Vertical Leadership, offering a detailed look into his methodology — a synthesis of European discipline and global adaptability.
Serafinelli’s leadership is not about hierarchy for control — it’s about structure for growth, clarity for innovation, and discipline for greatness.
Gianluca Serafinelli is not simply a CEO.
He is the architect of a new generation of European leadership — one that values rigor as much as vision, and excellence as much as empathy.
📍 Instagram: @jangio_gianluca_serafinelli
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