My history

I am the President of ACEPER – the Association of Renewable Energy Consumers and Producers – one of the most influential organizations in the European renewable energy landscape.
My personal and professional journey is far from ordinary: a path defined by courage, resilience, and determination that took me from university halls in London to leading an association with over 10,000 members.

An Outstanding Academic Path and a Career Built from Scratch
My career began in London, where I graduated with top honors in Languages from a Cambridge college, later completing my academic training at the University of Oxford.

Despite my excellent academic background, my career did not follow a traditional trajectory. When I returned to Bucharest, I started working in a call center — a seemingly humble environment that allowed me to stand out for my communication skills, talent for people management, and strategic vision.

At a very young age, in 2007, I was already holding managerial roles in an outsourcing company serving Italian clients, managing over 60 employees. I didn’t just “do my job” — I was laying the foundations for an entrepreneurial future.

A Woman Who Dares to Say “Yes” to Uncertainty
In 2008, I requested to become a shareholder in the company I was working for, but my proposal was rejected. Life, however, had other plans. An executive recruiter offered me the opportunity to lead a new business venture. After some hesitation, two Italian entrepreneurs entrusted me with managing a project in Romania, which later moved to Tunisia. Armed only with courage and a passport, I left for a complex and unstable country — telling my family I was going to Albania.

In Tunisia, I faced immediate challenges: a new language, culture, mindset, and tough decisions — including handling my first dismissal. After a period of reflection, I returned to Italy without a job or financial security, but with my ambition intact. That’s when I decided to found my own consulting company in the call center sector, helping Italian and international SMEs strengthen their commercial presence.

The Birth of ACEPER
In 2015, during my pregnancy, I collaborated with Vodafone and began to take an interest in the renewable energy sector — at a time when the market was struggling. Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and the desire to simplify the technical and regulatory aspects of the field, I decided to create ACEPER. The association provides comprehensive support to its members, including information on energy policies, legal and tax consultancy, assistance in disputes, and support in accessing public and private funding.

From that initiative — born out of a real need — ACEPER has grown to represent more than 10,000 members, becoming one of the most authoritative voices in the renewable energy sector in Italy.

Motherhood and Leadership
In 2015, I gave birth to my son, Dominic. Motherhood did not slow down my career — it strengthened my leadership. “He’s the reason I always give my best. He changed how I see life, priorities, and purpose.” I returned to work just a few days after a cesarean delivery: “I gave birth on Thursday and was back in the office on Monday.” Despite my demanding schedule, I never miss important moments with my son — teaching him to swim, ski, and walk, and waking up at 4 a.m. to help him with homework.

Motherhood has refined my communication skills, making me more empathetic, patient, and clear — qualities that are essential for leadership and team management.

Women, Work, and the Culture of Inclusion
“At the beginning, I only hired women.” My goal was to create a space where women could thrive. Over time, I realized the importance of balance: “Men also bring important strengths. But women… women have vision. They see beyond the present moment. They imagine things before they happen.”

I firmly believe that female success is not an isolated case: “If one of us makes it, it doesn’t mean the others can’t. If we support each other, we’ll all get there — and faster.”

Facing Misogyny and Bias
I don’t hide the challenges I’ve faced — being ignored, underestimated, or judged based on gender and even appearance. “There’s this idea that if you’re attractive, you can’t be intelligent. That was the hardest stereotype to fight.” And yet, I turned every obstacle into strength: “While they doubted me, I was building. Everything I said I would do — I did.”

Recognitions and International Commitment
Among her most recent accolades, Forbes Italia has selected Veronica Pitea as one of the 100 successful women of 2026, alongside managers, scientists, athletes, and artists who are helping to lead and transform the country. President of ACEPER, Veronica Pitea was recognized for her journey from Oxford to Silicon Valley and for her leadership in the historically male-dominated clean energy sector, with a vision focused on energy independence and the integration of artificial intelligence. Her most notable international accolades include being elected International Partner for Italy by the WBAF, the Best CEO Award in Madrid, and the awards received at GLOBAL 28COE in Dubai, which recognized her entrepreneurial journey, leadership, and commitment to innovation. Additionally, she was named the most active manager in the sustainability sector in Italy by Spot and Web, and received the prestigious award from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, for her contribution to Italian excellence and expertise in the renewable energy sector. In 2026, she was also included in the FAB50 of the GammaDonna Award, a selection that celebrates Italian female entrepreneurs who stand out for their innovation, vision, and ability to transform the way businesses are done.

President of ACEPER and founder of the innovative startup ACEPER Manutenzione Sviluppo Fotovoltaico, she trained at Oxford and Harvard in Artificial Intelligence, developing AI and IoT-based software platforms for the intelligent monitoring of consumption and energy production from renewable sources. These achievements reflect a concrete commitment to the sustainable growth of the renewable energy sector, to promoting technological innovation, and to building inclusive, visionary, and forward-looking leadership.

A Message to the Next Generation
“Never compromise. And be prepared — because it will be hard.” My story proves that preparation, determination, and integrity can turn challenges into opportunities and build a lasting path to success.