The former Balenciaga CMO brings international strategy experience to the historic Florentine brand
Ludivine Pont will assume the role of CEO at Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in September 2025. The Florence-based company, founded in 1221, is recognized as the oldest pharmacy in the world and is known for its historical contributions to botanical and pharmaceutical care.
Pont brings substantial experience from the luxury and fashion industries. After early roles in marketing and retail, she led global brand expansion at Philipp Plein and later joined Moncler in 2016, where she helped develop new brand platforms and communication strategies. In 2021, she became Chief Marketing Officer at Balenciaga, collaborating closely with Artistic Director Demna to shape a culturally attuned strategy rooted in creativity and digital innovation. In 2022, she was named one of Forbes’ Most Entrepreneurial CMOs.
In her new position, Pont will oversee the global development of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, building on its artisanal legacy while advancing its international positioning in luxury wellness and care.
“It is a great honor and a profound responsibility to take on the leadership of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella,” said Pont. “My goal is to carry this heritage forward and create an experience of timeless care that speaks to the senses, to beauty, and to time.”
The company will continue to be led by General Manager Giampiero Pesenti until September, after which he will remain involved in operations and support the transition under Pont’s leadership.
Carlo Pesenti, CEO of Italmobiliare and Chairman of the brand, stated: “Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella has an unparalleled history, deeply rooted in Italian culture and the diffusion of perfume in Europe and the world… We are certain [Pont] is the right person to contribute to the growth of the Group, giving further impetus to the global development… always respecting the values and peculiarities that make the company a brand without equal in the world.”
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella operates in more than 30 countries with over 400 retail locations. Since acquiring the company in 2020, Italmobiliare has supported its strategic transformation and international expansion.