Leading with purpose: Stuart CEO Cornelia Raportaru on tech, transformation and resilience

The Brands Transforming Our World podcast

In this episode of Brands Transforming Our World, Giles Fraser and Rory Cellan-Jones sit down with Cornelia Raportaru, CEO of Stuart – the tech-powered last-mile logistics platform delivering innovation, sustainability and efficiency across Europe.

Cornelia’s story begins in post-communist Romania, where her parents’ navigation of uncertainty helped shape her belief in ethical and human-centred business. She’s built a career on curiosity and adaptability through roles including Cadbury, TaskRabbit, Twitter and Vodafone.

Since becoming CEO of Stuart in 2023, Cornelia has led the company through a major transformation, steering it from rapid growth to sustainable profitability under new private equity ownership. She has focused the business, deepened its tech capabilities, and launched a model that prioritises convenience and environmental responsibility.

Cornelia also shares insights into:

• How AI and machine learning are shaping smarter, greener delivery routes
• Embedding sustainability into operations instead of side projects
• Navigating private equity transitions with transparency and focus
• The importance of mentorship, resilience, and curiosity in leadership
• Why London’s tech ecosystem needs a stronger culture of risk-taking

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and wherever you get your podcasts.