Notable Changes to Senior Positions as Stefano Cantino’s Restructuring Continues
As part of Stefano Cantino’s ongoing reorganisation of Gucci, the company announced effective from January 1, Gucci’s current senior vice president of global people retail and business Francesco Falai will transition to the role of chief people officer. Cantino, who is currently serving as Gucci’s deputy CEO, will assume the position of CEO on the same day, taking over from Jean-François Palus.
Falai will be succeeding Luca Bozzo. After a career with Gucci spanning over seven years and 14 years within the parent Kering Group, Bozzo is set to leave the luxury fashion company at year-end to explore new opportunities.
Gucci credited Bozzo with having “played a key role in contributing to Gucci’s success by bringing an innovative HR strategy and strengthening a dynamic, people-empowerment culture.”
Before joining Gucci in January 2017 in the role of worldwide HR retail director, Falai had spent 12 years at the Prada Group with increasing responsibilities in the HR division. Throughout his tenure at Gucci, Falai has progressively broadened his portfolio to encompass all business functions.
Gucci explained that Falai and Cantino will now work together “to drive Gucci’s people strategy, inspiring excellence in execution, and fostering organizational development and transformation. In particular, Falai will collaborate with stakeholders across the company to empower the contributions of internal teams to the business.”
This reflects the latest part of the structural redesign Cantino has been implementing in recent months.
Additionally, Valérie Leberichel is set to join Gucci as the senior vice president of global communications at the end of December, directly reporting to Cantino. Leberichel brings 27 years of experience in marketing and communication strategy to the luxury brand. Prior to this role, she served as global vice president of communications at Givenchy from April 2022.
Marcello Mastrogiacomo will join on November 25 under the title of vice president digital marketing and media, reporting to Leberichel. Mastrogiacomo comes with over 17 years of experience in global marketing, having most recently held the role of senior vice president, communication, media and image at Armani Beauty Global within L’Oréal.
Other strategic hires include Massimo Vian from the Prada Group as chief industrial and supply chain officer, and Cayetano Fabry from Saint Laurent as chief commercial officer.
One significant development at Gucci is the brand’s decision to return to the coed format. Sabato De Sarno, creative director, will showcase the brand’s men’s and women’s collections together in a single fashion show in February and September as part of the Milan Fashion Week schedule. The cruise 2026 fashion show is anticipated to take place in Florence on May 15.