The former Estée Lauder chief executive joins the Ferragamo family holding company as it evaluates succession planning and long-term growth
Ferragamo Finanziaria, the holding company of the Ferragamo family and controlling shareholder of Salvatore Ferragamo, has appointed Fabrizio Freda as special strategic adviser. The appointment places one of the beauty industry’s most experienced global executives at the center of the family’s strategic planning as the group navigates leadership transition and operational repositioning.
According to the company, Freda will contribute to key decisions including the selection of a future chief executive officer for Salvatore Ferragamo, while also advising on the structure and development of the Ferragamo Group and the family’s broader portfolio of interests spanning hospitality and real estate. Chairman Diego di San Giuliano said Freda is “a manager of recognized international standing, whose experience will represent an important contribution to our medium — to long-term strategic reflections and to strengthening the entrepreneurial role of our family.”
Freda stepped down as president and chief executive officer of The Estée Lauder Companies in December 2024 after leading the business since 2009. During his tenure, the company expanded globally and completed acquisitions including Deciem and Tom Ford. He currently also serves on the board of BlackRock. “I thank the Ferragamo family for their trust and believe that this collaboration will generate important opportunities for value creation,” said Freda.
The move comes after the departure of former chief executive officer Marco Gobbetti last March, with executive chairman Leonardo Ferragamo overseeing the company alongside a transitional advisory committee. Ferragamo is scheduled to report first-quarter results on May 14 after posting 2025 revenues of 976.5 million euros, down 5.7 percent year over year. As the brand continues efforts to align product, communication, and distribution under creative director Maximilian Davis, the addition of Freda signals that governance and long-term strategy are now as central to the turnaround as design.