Team

Luca Bucchini is Hylobates’ Managing Director. Luca is a food risk scientist and an expert in the field of food and food supplement regulation. Following his studies in public health and food risk assessment at Johns Hopkins, in the US, he co-founded Hylobates 20 years ago. At the moment, he is leading tons of regulatory and scientific projects ranging from food allergens to novel foods. Furthermore, Luca is serving as chairman of ESSNA (the European Sports and Specialist Nutrition Alliances) and as one of the EuroFIR directors (EuroFIR is the non-profit food and food supplement composition organisation). In 2024, he was also recognised as Nutrachampion by Nutraingredients, the leading digital publication dedicated to the functional food and dietary supplement industry. Luca is fond of sailing and airsoft.

Lucilla Caricchio is a founding partner and is an expert in food and cosmetic regulation; she is a leading specialist in beauty claims. She has graduated from the Catholic University in Rome in Cosmetic Sciences with honors, and holds a Master in Nutrition and Cosmetic Sciences from the Tor Vergata University in Rome. Lucilla oversees major international regulatory projects and holds key management responsibilities. She also follows projects with a specific focus on sustainability and is listed among experts in environmental labelling on the Italian National Packaging Consortium. Lucilla loves the Greek tragedy, The Sound of Music and The Devil Wears Prada, tonal music, travelling, good books and learning new things

Armando Antonelli is a principal regulatory consultant specialising in food regulation, with coordinating responsibilities. Armando is responsible for global and multi-partner projects. He received his Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata (2010) and the Master of Law (LL.M.) in Food Law at LUISS University in Rome (2021). He joined Hylobates in 2010 and routinely manages and coordinates food and food supplements related projects, helping medium and large food companies to comply with EU and extra-EU law. Compliance of composition, labeling, safety, advertising and claims, scientific support, requirements for placing on the international market are the activities that he usually deals with.

Jacopo Angelucci is a principal food regulatory affairs consultant at Hylobates, with coordinating responsibilities. He deals particularly with pan-European long-term projects. After a degree in molecular biology he joined Hylobates to apply his knowledge to the food and regulatory field. He has more than 10 years of experience on food labelling, sport nutrition especially food supplements. He deals with projects involving many EU member states and Third Countries, such as the US, in order to market foods and food supplements from the initial “idea” of the product to actual selling to the consumer. Jacopo also has expertise in notification procedures in Europe, online marketing and in advertising.

Francesca Bucchini is a senior regulatory consultant with extensive experience in European markets. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science (International Politics) from the University of Bologna and a Master’s in European Policies, Projects and Funding . Additionally, she has completed advanced courses in European law and negotiation at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Francesca has an international and European political background, with work experience in both the public and private sectors in Brussels. She joined Hylobates as part of the project management team for EC-funded projects with partners from the EU, third countries, and the Mediterranean region. Her core competencies include food regulatory requirements, labeling of food supplements, and food product exports. Francesca has a keen interest in foreign languages, particularly Nordic languages such as Icelandic and Norwegian, and she is fluent in both English and French.

Melania Perazzini is a junior regulatory consultant with a master’s degree in Food Safety and Quality at the University of Tuscia with full marks. After working for several years as a quality control manager in an analysis laboratory, given her strong interest in the regulatory aspects of the food sector, she decided to pursue a career as a consultant in food regulation at Hylobates. Her work is to provide a regulatory advice to her clients, verifying if the formulation of food supplements intended for the European market comply with European and national regulations

Patrick Valette is a registration specialist and social media manager. Patrick is French and lives in Rome since 2009 after working in Amsterdam. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Communication at ISCOM Toulouse in 2006 and with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Communication at the University Institute Paul Sabatier of Toulouse in 2004. He specializes in the audiovisual media sector and joined Hylobates in 2021 thanks to its experience in the field of TV shopping food supplements. At Hylobates, he is in contact with the European authorities to support customers with the requirements of placing their products on the European market. He also takes care of social media. With French as a mother tongue, he also speaks Italian and English.

Francesca Felici, the administrative reference figure, is also responsible for accounting management and actively supports the management team. With a solid linguistic background and strong problem-solving skills, she stands out for her availability, friendliness, and determination. She performs her role with teamwork spirit and dedication, always focused on personal and professional growth.
She loves Italian singer-songwriters, seaside aperitifs, and her dog, Kira.

Martina Piras is a regulatory consultant. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Toxicological Sciences and Quality Control at the University of Cagliari and a Master in Criminology and Strategic Sciences at the University of Rome La Sapienza, both with full marks. Within the company, she manages food-related projects for national and international markets, focusing on the compliance of composition, labelling, safety, advertising and claims, particularly those related to environmental aspects. Martina loves to cook and embroider.

Daniele Lucarini is a junior regulatory consultant. Daniele holds a master’s degree in Genomic, Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology from the University of Rome La Sapienza. At Hylobates , he deals with regulatory consultancy in the field of food supplements and foods, particularly for the Italian market. His strengths are patience and problem solving. Daniele is also a great fan of martial arts and Esports

Matteo Bucchini is a specialist in the field of product registration at an international level. In 2023, he graduated from the Liceo Scientifico Cambridge at IIS Gaetano de Sanctis in Rome. Furthermore, he studied a whole year in Québec (CA), which allowed him to gain an advanced knowledge of the French language. In addition, he had the chance to also master English, as he achieved the CAE certificate. Concerning his tasks at Hylo, he mainly focuses on the registration of food supplements in a wide range of UE countries. Finally, he also deals with translations in Spanish and French.

Carla Dessì is a junior regulatory consultant. She holds a Master’s Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Cagliari. After working as a biologist on cruise ships around the world, in charge of testing, at Hylobates she works on projects related to food and cosmetic products, in particular dealing with compliance of composition, labeling, safety, advertising and claims, national and international marketing requirements. Carla is passionate about travel and handbags.

Riccardo Bini is a junior regulatory consultant. He holds a degree in “Enogastronomic Sciences and Cultures” from the University of Roma Tre and a master’s degree in “Food Quality Management and Communication” from the University of Pisa. After a year in the logistics sector of large-scale retail trade, spurred by his interest in the food regulatory field, he decided to start his career as a consultant at Hylobates. Riccardo deals with regulatory consultancy in the field of food supplements and foodstuffs.

Tommaso is a junior assistant in Innovation and IT. He graduated in 2023 from the “Enrico Fermi” Industrial Technical Institute in Rome. Within the company, he assists with IT support for regulatory consulting, as well as testing and managing the company’s IT software. Tommaso is also a fan of video games, motorbikes, and is an avid beach volleyball player.

Edoardo Maiorano is a junior regulatory consultant A graduate of the Louis Pasteur Scientific High School, Edoardo attended a course in “Enogastronomic Sciences and Cultures” at Roma Tre University. With a strong passion for computers and technology, he specialised in Java programming in 2023. While studying, he worked for several years in the restaurant industry, developing excellent teamwork skills and a deep understanding of business and staff management.t Hylobates , he deals with regulatory consultancy in the field of food supplements for the EU market. Edoardo loves his dog, AS Roma, and hiking in the mountains. He is also passionate about cooking, motor sports, and general sports.

Tommaso Ciantò is a specialist in international product registration. In 2023, he graduated from the “Enrico Fermi” Technical Institute in Rome and is currently pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences. Tommaso enjoys traveling and sports.