The seasoned luxury leader steps into a pivotal role as the house undergoes leadership shifts and prepares for its next creative chapter
Fendi has appointed Francesca Leoni as its new global chief communication officer, marking a significant leadership shift as the Roman house refines its strategic direction under a new CEO and incoming chief creative officer Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Leoni, who brings 25 years of luxury and fashion expertise, joins from Michael Kors, where she served as chief brand officer until earlier this year. Her appointment follows the departure of Cristiana Monfardini, who exits after two decades shaping the house’s global communications architecture.
Leoni’s industry track record spans influential roles at some of fashion’s most storied maisons. During her eight years at Valentino, she collaborated closely with Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli—experience that now places her in step with Fendi’s evolving creative leadership. Her remit there extended well beyond communications, encompassing image strategy, archive stewardship, and vintage acquisitions.
Earlier positions at Bulgari and Hermès deepened her fluency in global luxury storytelling, cultural programming, and the operational discipline required to manage complex brand ecosystems. From overseeing Bulgari’s jewelry archives and early hospitality launches to orchestrating retrospective exhibitions and shaping Hermès’ U.S. public relations presence, Leoni has built a career at the intersection of narrative, heritage, and global brand influence.
Her arrival comes at a moment of meaningful transition for Fendi, as the house prepares to usher in a new creative era while reinforcing its communications vision with an executive steeped in both Roman luxury codes and global brand-building.