URGENT UPDATE: Gucci has just announced the appointment of Dario Gargiulo as its new Chief Client, Marketing, and Commercial Officer, a pivotal role designed to enhance customer engagement and brand strategy. This major development comes as Gucci’s leadership transitions under Francesca Bellettini, who was recently tasked with revitalizing the brand amidst a challenging luxury market.
Gargiulo, previously CEO of Bottega Veneta in Greater China, will report directly to Bellettini and is expected to spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of Gucci’s client interaction strategy. His mandate includes fostering a holistic, client-centric approach that aims to strengthen brand awareness and maximize revenue growth across all channels. Key departments that will fall under his leadership include retail excellence, digital business, client services, and marketing.
This management shakeup occurs less than six weeks after Bellettini took on her new role, emphasizing her commitment to building a more customer-focused organization. Gargiulo brings significant experience, having served as Bottega Veneta’s Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer in Milan prior to his current position. He has an extensive background, including roles at Diesel and a decade-long tenure at Heineken.
Meanwhile, Gucci’s president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Giovanni Lomanto, will be leaving the company. Lomanto has been with Gucci since 2022 and was instrumental in driving brand strategy alongside former creative director Demna. Following his departure, Cayetano Fabry, the current Chief Commercial Officer, will step in to lead the EMEA region, marking a significant shift in Gucci’s regional management.
These changes come at a critical time for Gucci, which reported a 14 percent decline in organic sales for the three months leading to September 30. This figure, while better than the anticipated 16 percent drop, signals ongoing challenges for the luxury brand, particularly after a staggering 25 percent drop in the second quarter.
Bellettini’s new leadership marks her as the fourth CEO for Gucci in just two years, following the exit of Marco Bizzarri, who helped propel the brand to nearly 10 billion euros in revenue. The swift changes reflect a broader strategy by parent company Kering to stabilize Gucci and adapt to shifting consumer preferences in the luxury sector.
As Gucci navigates this transition, industry analysts will be closely watching how Gargiulo’s leadership impacts the brand’s strategy and customer relations. The focus on a more integrated approach to consumer engagement could reshape the luxury landscape and influence how other brands respond to similar challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates as Gucci embarks on this crucial transformation in its management and market strategy.
