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Interview: “R&D will be a central lever”
San Marco Group President and CEO Pietro Geremia discusses the acquisition of Oikos, and how it aligns with the Group’s long-term vision for innovation, design, and environmental responsibility. Interview by Damir Gagro
What made Oikos the right strategic acquisition for San Marco Group at this point in time?
Pietro Geremia: Oikos represents a very distinctive brand within the decorative coatings landscape, with a strong identity built around sustainability and indoor wellbeing. The market is currently evolving in two directions: an increasing demand for technically advanced systems and a growing sensitivity towards healthy, environmentally responsible materials. Oikos fits precisely at the intersection of these trends. This acquisition is highly coherent with our long-term vision: strengthening our presence where innovation, sustainability, and design converge, while expanding our ability to address a broader and more diversified customer base.
How does the acquisition strengthen San Marco Group’s position in the Italian premium and decorative coatings market?
Geremia: The Italian decorative segment is increasingly polarised between technical solutions and high-value aesthetic finishes. With Oikos, San Marco Group reinforces its premium positioning by adding a brand with strong recognition among architects and designers, a portfolio rooted in mineral and textured finishes, and a clear association with indoor air quality. This allows us to cover the premium segment in a more structured way, combining different brand identities while maintaining high specialisation and strengthening our relevance towards professional applicators and specialised distribution.
How important will R&D and formulation development be in repositioning Oikos for the next phase of growth?
Geremia: R&D will be a central lever. Our objective is not to change Oikos’ identity but to build on its heritage, enhancing the performance and consistency of its systems. In a market where application skills are evolving, formulation development becomes critical to ensure reliability on-site and more controlled application processes. At the same time, we see significant potential in further developing Oikos’ expertise in mineral-based and low-impact formulations to meet increasingly stringent environmental and health expectations.
Oikos is strongly associated with indoor health, wellbeing and water-based solutions. How do these values fit into San Marco Group’s broader long-term strategy?
Geremia: These values are fully aligned with our strategic direction. Over the past years, San Marco Group has progressively invested in solutions that move beyond simple compliance toward a proactive approach to environmental responsibility. Oikos brings a credible positioning in indoor air quality and low-emission systems. This is no longer a niche but a structural trend; integrating Oikos allows us to strengthen our standing in a segment that will be central to the future of our industry.
Oikos serves international markets as well as Italy. What role do you see the brand playing in San Marco Group’s international development going forward?
Geremia: Oikos will play a key role in strengthening our international footprint, particularly in markets where Italian decorative finishes are synonymous with design and craftsmanship. Its strong narrative makes it particularly suitable for architect-driven projects, high-end residential, and hospitality sectors. Within the Group, Oikos will contribute to expanding our reach in selected international markets, allowing for a more targeted and differentiated approach depending on the channel and positioning.
