Roberto Blanda

Roberto Blanda has enjoyed successful dual career paths, working in human resources and pursuing a professional rowing career for much of his life. Blanda initially took up rowing at the age of 12 and his prowess led him to be selected for the Italian National team by the time he reached 17. Aged 21, he competed in the Barcelona Olympics. These rowing achievements led to him being offered a scholarship to continue his education at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he completed an Honours degree, graduating cum laude after studying Romance Linguistics and French. He also competed on behalf of the university in the Intercollegiate racing circuit in the United States.

Blanda’s second appearance at the Olympic Games took place in Atlanta in 1996, racing as part of the Italian coxed eight. Upon returning from these Games, Blanda decided to take his education even further after applying to and being accepted at Oxford University in England. Studying at Brasenose College, Blanda achieved a Master of Science degree in Educational Research in just one year. He also competed in the Oxford Cambridge boat race during his time there, being the first and only Italian to ever do so.

Roberto Blanda’s human resources career began at the French pharmaceutical company Servier Italy as HR Manager. He would later work for both Toyota Italy and Mercedes-Benz Italy (part of the Daimler-Chrysler Group) in a variety of roles before moving in a more international direction at British American Tobacco.

Now working as an organisational performance consultant, he is currently pursuing training in coaching from the Academy of Executive Coaching.