Rai Kids Gets a New Captain! Roberto Genovesi Takes Over as Luca Milano Bids Farewell
Change is on the horizon for Rai Kids, the children’s and family division of Italian public broadcaster Rai. After more than three decades of shaping Italy’s animation landscape, Luca Milano is stepping down as Executive Director in April, making way for seasoned industry veteran Roberto Genovesi to take the reins.
A Legacy of Excellence: Luca Milano’s Impact
Milano’s contributions to Rai Kids and the broader European animation industry have been nothing short of remarkable. Initially named Executive Director of Rai Kids (formerly Rai Ragazzi) in 2017, he was reaffirmed in his role during Rai’s 2020 reorganization. Before leading Rai Kids, he played a key role as Deputy Executive Director at Rai Fiction, overseeing prime-time drama content.
Under his leadership, Rai Kids became a powerhouse in European children’s media, commissioning and co-producing top-tier animated content for Rai Yoyo (Italy’s leading preschool channel) and Rai Gulp (focused on older kids). Milano also held the prestigious position of Chairperson of the Kids Media group within the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), further cementing his influence on the international stage.
Francesco Manfio, head of the Animation sector at APA (Audiovisual Producers Association), praised Milano’s tenure, stating:
“Without Rai’s support, Italian animation would not have reached the high standards acknowledged in today’s world. Not only thanks to its crucial investments but primarily to the people in Rai who believed that animation could become a strategic industry in our country. First and foremost among these is Luca Milano, who contributed to worldwide successful Italian productions such as Pet Pals, Winx, Leo da Vinci, and 44 Cats. Thank you, Luca, for your ideas, professionalism, and keen wit.”
Roberto Genovesi: The New Visionary Leader
Taking over from a leader like Milano is no small feat, but Roberto Genovesi is no stranger to Rai or the world of animation. His return to Rai Kids marks an exciting new chapter for the network.
Genovesi previously served as Deputy Head of Rai Ragazzi, playing a pivotal role in launching Rai Gulp and Rai Yoyo as free-to-air channels. Since 2023, he has been heading Rai Libri, the publishing arm of Rai, while also managing Special Projects for Rai Com.
Beyond Rai, Genovesi boasts an impressive portfolio: he is an author, screenwriter, and journalist who has long championed European animation. As Artistic Director of the Cartoons on the Bay festival since 2009, he has been instrumental in elevating Italy’s presence in the global animation scene. He also served as Cultural Director of Expocartoon, a well-respected comic convention.
What’s Next for Rai Kids?
With Genovesi at the helm, the future of Rai Kids looks promising. His extensive background in storytelling, publishing, and animation suggests that he will continue Rai’s legacy of high-quality, innovative children’s content while pushing for new creative ventures.
As Rai Kids continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Italian animation remains in strong, capable hands. The industry will be watching closely as Genovesi takes Rai Kids into its next era, ensuring that young audiences continue to enjoy the rich, engaging programming that has defined the network for years.
Stay tuned as we follow this exciting transition—because when it comes to Rai Kids, the best may be yet to come!
