Former Chloé and Margiela Executive to Lead the House Into a New Era Alongside Alessandro Michele
Maison Valentino has tapped Riccardo Bellini as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. The announcement signals a sharpened strategic direction for the Roman house, as it aligns business leadership with newly appointed Creative Director Alessandro Michele.
With Riccardo’s appointment, we are accelerating Valentino’s trajectory,” said Chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid. “I know his extensive luxury experience, strategic acumen, and proven leadership, which — together with Alessandro Michele’s powerful creative vision — will drive the Maison forward and amplify its unique identity.”
Bellini brings with him an impressive résumé, including CEO roles at Maison Margiela and Chloé, and prior leadership positions in marketing and business at Diesel and Procter & Gamble. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Mayhoola, Valentino’s Qatari parent company.
Bellini is recognized for his transformative leadership at Chloé, introducing a model centered on purpose, sustainability, and accountability, which resulted in Chloé’s B Corp certification and increased revenues. He recruited Gabriela Hearst as creative director, growing the business by 60 percent in the first two years and 40 percent over four years in total. Bellini also brought in Chemena Kamali as Hearst’s successor before leaving Chloé in 2023 and subsequently consulting for Mayhoola, advising on strategy and potential acquisitions.
Earlier, Bellini served as CEO at Maison Margiela, driving a revenue increase of over 100 percent and collaborating closely with creative director John Galliano. Before that, he held roles at Diesel and began his career at Procter & Gamble. A graduate of Bocconi University and IESE Business School, Bellini’s three decades in fashion have been defined by a global outlook and a keen sensitivity to brand storytelling.
“I am honored to join Valentino, an iconic maison that blends extraordinary heritage and craftsmanship with a unique creative voice,” Bellini said. “I look forward to working with Alessandro Michele and the exceptional Valentino teams to celebrate the Maison’s timeless values while crafting its next chapter.”
Alessandro Michele’s next collection for Valentino is set to debut in Paris for spring 2026, with a show scheduled on October 5. With both Bellini and Michele now in place, all eyes will be on Valentino as it prepares for a new phase—one that looks poised to blend radical romanticism with sharp business execution.