Executive Chairman of Rio Group Julio Bruno ‘s plan, how he maintained a consistent vision and adapted his leadership style to different industries. rio london winter season. Julio explains how he balances high-end entertainment with innovation to stay competitive in a dynamic market like London nightlife.
- Your career spans multiple industries, from media to hospitality to digital transformation. How do you maintain a consistent vision and adapt your leadership style across such diverse fields? For me, consistency means understanding that people and culture are at the heart of any successful venture, regardless of industry. Whether you work in media, tourism or hospitality, it’s always important to create memorable experiences. Whether it’s a five-star dining experience or the latest digital platform, I always aim to surprise, innovate and emotionally connect with my customers. How to adapt your leadership style? It’s more about adjusting the sails than changing the ship. Our vision and values remain the same. This means being flexible and adapting to current trends and issues. You can’t be a leader by standing still, but you can also never lose sight of what makes you who you are.
- After a record-breaking season at Rio venues in Ibiza, Mykonos and Mallorca, what are your plans for the Rio London winter season? Ah, London in winter is already a magical place, but Rio just makes it even hotter. Success in Ibiza, Mykonos and Mallorca has given rise to high hopes, but if there’s one thing Rio excels at, it’s staying at the front of the game. Rio is a place where joy, entertainment, and a healthy dose of mischief meet. London is in constant need of reinvention, and this winter we’re bringing just that, with a touch of spice, a touch of boldness and the unapologetic flair that Rio is known for. After all, what is life if not a series of unforgettable moments? This season, those moments get even more naughty with our new show. Jukebox.
- With Rio London becoming a cornerstone of West London’s nightlife, how do you balance the brand’s unique luxury entertainment experience with the demands of a dynamic and competitive market? Balancing Rio’s unique flavors in a market like London requires authenticity and constant innovation. You can’t rest on your laurels here. The city won’t allow it. Rio thrives because it’s more than just a place. It’s an experience. We combine high-quality dining, immersive shows, and even better cocktails with a party atmosphere that will leave you wondering if you’re living in a fever dream. But how to stay on top? we evolve. we listen. we adapt. We always try to surprise our guests with new twists and make them even more satisfied. Rio isn’t just competing in the nightlife market. We are redefining it.
- As you prepare to open your Rio Las Vegas pop-up in Mayfair, how do you plan to apply the success of your European venue to new markets in the US? Las Vegas is a world of its own. It’s flashy, it’s glamorous, and expectations are sky-high. Rio values intimacy and luxury. The challenge (and thrill) is to combine the signature magic of Rio with the flashy nature of Las Vegas. We deliver the same immersive and captivating experience, with a twist that reflects the boldness and spectacle of the Las Vegas scene. In true Rio style, each night offers a tantalizing mix of European and Las Vegas charm. It’s going to be an adventure no one wants to run away from – and honestly, why would they?
- BeBeMe combines wine retail with a unique bar experience in London. What inspired you to create this concept and how do you think it fits into the evolving luxury and leisure landscape? Be Be Me was born out of two loves: wine and the idea that luxury doesn’t have to be unattainable. Wine should be sophisticated and approachable. and Be Be Mewe have created a space where you can enjoy our carefully selected selections in a relaxing, elegant and, above all, unpretentious atmosphere. In today’s world, consumers want experiences, not just products, and that’s exactly what they want. Be Be Me I’ll make an offer. It’s not just about enjoying fine wine on the spot. It’s about bringing that experience home in the form of a special bottle. We blend seamlessly into London’s exclusive landscape by offering something authentic and truly personal.
- At Mercato Metropolitano, we have championed sustainability in the food industry. What strategies have proven to be most effective in promoting sustainability while driving business growth? At Mercato Metropolitano, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It is the basis of everything we do and the original vision of our business partner, founder Andrea Lasca. The most effective strategy is to embed sustainability into the core of your business, rather than treating it as a side project. It’s about creating communities around food, supporting local producers, and prioritizing sustainable practices. Today, people want to know where their food comes from and appreciate companies that are transparent about their practices. We’ve proven that by focusing on provenance, reducing waste and creating open dialogue with consumers, you can grow your business while doing what’s right for the planet. It’s a win-win situation and it’s the only way forward.
- His tenure at Time Out Group saw the global expansion of Time Out Market Food Hall and a significant digital transformation of the brand. What were the main challenges you faced during this period and how did you overcome them? Want to expand globally while undergoing digital transformation? No small feat. The biggest challenge was finding the right balance between opening up new physical spaces and evolving in an increasingly digital world. What is the solution? A strong, diverse and highly professional team and a commitment to listening to our customers every step of the way. Balancing international growth and the complexities of the digital age has never been easy, but we’ve done it by remaining agile and customer-focused. Even during the global shutdown due to COVID-19, we became Time IN and continued to communicate with our clients at the time, leveraging our digital footprint, social media, and more. The results speak for themselves, and even now that I’m gone, the team continues to grow. and grow all over the world.
- You have been recognized for your advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. How do you embed these values into the business you lead, and how do they impact your organization? Diversity and inclusion are more than just a check-box, they are essential to modern, innovative businesses. For me, it’s about embedding these values into the DNA of the company I lead. That means hiring a diverse workforce, fostering everyone’s professional growth, and creating a culture where every voice is heard. What is the impact? It’s deeply ingrained in the companies I’ve led and continue to lead. It not only makes us more innovative and reflective of the world we live in, but also helps us understand our customers better. Diverse teams aren’t just nice to have, they’re also a business advantage.
- As an investor and board advisor for various global businesses, what do you look for when deciding to support a new venture, and how do you contribute to its growth and success? When I look at a new business, I’m not just looking for possibilities. I’m looking for exciting opportunities that offer challenges as well as rewards. Why not? Fun. Are you excited? Feeling like jumping in despite your busy schedule? That’s the first test. From there my role becomes adaptable. They may provide financial support, but more often they provide strategic guidance and leadership. I bring my experience in management, operations, marketing, and culture building. I’m also a connector, helping startups find the right talent to accelerate their growth. And of course, a good business is only as good as its culture, so I make sure they have a strong foundation.
- Having worked with iconic brands and spearheaded numerous successful ventures, what advice would you give to ambitious entrepreneurs and executives who want to make a big impact on the global business world? mosquito? I’m not one to give advice like a magic formula. I like to share my experiences. After all, the world needs boldness and vision now more than ever. With passion, resilience, and a diverse team of talented people by your side, you’re already halfway there. I touch on these ideas in my book Passion for leadershipHere I detail the strategies and values that have shaped my journey thus far. The point here is that if you want to be truly great at something, you have to love it. Sure, you can be technically skilled and get the job done, but without passion, the results will always be lukewarm. To really excel and succeed, you have to truly want it. And don’t forget to enjoy the drive. Have fun, stay true to your values, and make sure those around you are thriving too. Because in the end, that’s where real success lies.
Rio London will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from October 4th, with dinner and cabaret starting at 7:30pm and club nights starting at 11pm.
Book your table or club tickets now. Rio’s website.
