Julio Bruno, Executive Chairman of the Lío Group, shares insights into how he maintains a cohesive vision while flexibly adapting his leadership approach across various industries. With the winter season planned for Lío London, Julio discusses his strategy for merging luxury entertainment with innovation to remain competitive in London’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Your career trajectory includes diverse industries such as media, hospitality, and digital transformation. What principles guide your consistent vision and adaptability in leadership amid this variety? For me, consistency stems from recognizing that people and culture form the core of any successful endeavor, regardless of the industry. Whether I’m immersed in media, tourism, or hospitality, the goal remains the same: to create memorable experiences. Be it a fine dining affair or a cutting-edge digital platform, I strive to surprise, innovate, and connect emotionally with customers. Adjusting my leadership style involves fine-tuning—not overhauling—my approach. The vision and core values stay intact; it’s the implementation that evolves to address the moment’s trends and challenges. Stagnation in leadership is not an option, but it’s equally important to hold onto your foundational principles.
After an unprecedented season in Ibiza, Mykonos, and Mallorca, what plans do you have for the winter season at Lío London? London in winter is enchanting, and with Lío, we aim to elevate that magic. Our successes across Ibiza, Mykonos, and Mallorca have set high expectations; embracing continuous evolution is crucial. Lío is where joy, entertainment, and a playful spirit converge. London thrives on reinvention, and this winter, we’re infusing it with excitement, daring, and the signature Lío flair. After all, life is about unforgettable moments, and this season, we’ll introduce a new show titled The Jukebox to make those moments even more captivating.
As a key player in West London’s nightlife, how do you maintain Lío’s distinctive luxury entertainment experience amid a competitive market? Striking a balance in a vibrant market like London hinges on authenticity and constant innovation. Here, you can’t become complacent; the city demands fresh experiences. Lío excels because it’s more than a venue—it’s an immersive experience. We fuse top-notch dining with captivating performances in an atmosphere that feels like a fever dream—only better! Staying on top of our game requires us to evolve, listen, and innovate consistently, ensuring our guests leave craving more. At Lío, we’re not only competing in the nightlife sector; we’re redefining it.
As you prepare for the opening of Lío Las Vegas at The Mayfair, how will you adapt the success of your European venues for the U.S. market? Las Vegas is a unique realm—opulent, vibrant, and filled with high expectations. Lío is rooted in intimacy and luxury, and the thrill lies in blending that signature charm with Vegas’ extravagant flair. We’ll maintain our immersive, seductive offering while incorporating the boldness characteristic of Las Vegas. In true Lío fashion, each night will be a delightful fusion of European elegance and Vegas spectacle—an adventure no one will want to escape, and honestly, why would they?
With BeBeMe merging wine retail with a unique bar experience in London, what inspired this concept, and how does it fit into the evolving luxury and leisure landscape? BeBeMe emerged from my passion for wine and the belief that luxury should be approachable. Wine can be sophisticated yet accessible. We’ve crafted an environment that’s relaxed and elegant, where patrons can enjoy a curated selection without pretension. Today, consumers seek experiences over mere products, and BeBeMe provides that: enjoy a fine wine now, and take home a memorable bottle that encapsulates the experience. By keeping it authentic, we seamlessly integrate into London’s luxury landscape.
Through Mercato Metropolitano, you’ve emphasized sustainability in the food sector. What approaches have effectively promoted sustainability while driving business growth? At Mercato Metropolitano, sustainability is the cornerstone of our mission, as envisioned by founder Andrea Rasca—my business partner. The key to our success lies in embedding sustainability within our core operations rather than treating it as an afterthought. We focus on building communities around food, supporting local producers, and prioritizing eco-friendly practices. Today’s consumers are conscious of where their food originates and favor businesses that are transparent in their methods. By emphasizing provenance, minimizing waste, and fostering open communication with our patrons, we’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to grow a business while prioritizing the planet. It’s a mutually beneficial scenario, and it represents the only way forward.
Your leadership at Time Out Group led to the international expansion of Time Out Market and a significant digital transformation. What challenges did you face during this time, and how did you overcome them? The dual challenge of expanding globally while transforming digitally was significant. The core issue was finding harmony between opening new physical locations and fitting into an increasingly digital landscape. Our solution included building a strong, diverse team and remaining responsive to our customers’ needs throughout the journey. Although it wasn’t always straightforward, we succeeded by staying agile and customer-centric. Even during the global shutdown caused by Covid-19, we pivoted to become Time IN, keeping our clients engaged through our digital platforms and social media. The outcomes are evident, and the team, now operating independently, continues to thrive globally.
You’ve been acknowledged for your commitment to Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace. How do you incorporate these values into your leadership, and what effects have they produced in your organizations? Diversity and inclusion are foundational principles—not mere checkboxes—for any forward-thinking business. For me, it’s about weaving these values into the very fabric of the organizations I guide. This involves recruiting diverse talent, promoting professional development across the board, and cultivating a culture where all voices are valued. The impact has been transformative; these principles not only enhance innovation and reflect the society we live in but also elevate our understanding of customers. A diverse team is not just an asset; it’s a strategic advantage.
As an investor and advisor to various global businesses, what criteria do you consider when supporting a new venture, and how do you contribute to their success? When evaluating a new venture, I’m not just searching for potential; I look for engaging challenges that present opportunities for growth—and preferably a bit of fun too. If it excites me and motivates me to dive in despite my busy schedule, that’s the initial test. My contribution aligns with the needs of the venture; sometimes, it’s financial backing, while more often, I provide strategic insights and leadership. I draw from my experiences in management, marketing, operations, and culture-building. Moreover, I act as a connector—helping to introduce ventures to the right people who can catalyze their growth. Importantly, establishing a robust culture is paramount because a business thrives on its foundational values.
Having collaborated with renowned brands and launched numerous successful ventures, what advice would you extend to aspiring entrepreneurs and executives aiming for a notable impact in the global business arena? Rather than dispensing advice as if it’s a one-size-fits-all solution, I prefer sharing personal experiences. The world requires boldness and vision now more than ever. If you possess passion, resilience, and a diverse team of talented individuals at your side, you’ve already secured an advantage. I explore these themes in my book, Passion to Lead, outlining the strategies and values that have shaped my journey. Remember, to be truly exceptional at anything, you must genuinely love it. You can be technically sound and fulfill your role, but without passion, the results will inevitably fall flat. To excel and flourish, your desire must be unwavering. And above all, savor the journey! Enjoy every moment, adhere to your values, and ensure that everyone around you is thriving too—because that’s where true success lies.
Lío London welcomes guests every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting October 4th, featuring dinner and cabaret from 7:30 PM and club nights from 11 PM.
Reserve your table or club ticket now on Lío’s website.
