Zegna Announces Major Leadership Shakeup as Gildo Zegna Transitions to Executive Chairman

The Ermenegildo Zegna Group, the illustrious Italian luxury fashion house founded in Trivero in 1910, has unveiled a significant leadership restructuring designed to shape its future direction. Announced on Monday, November 24, these strategic appointments are the culmination of a thorough succession planning process orchestrated by the Board of Directors and are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Ermenegildo "Gildo" Zegna, who currently serves as the group's Chairman and CEO, will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. In this capacity, his primary focus will be on safeguarding the enduring legacy and integrity of the Group's three distinguished brands: Zegna, Thom Browne, and Tom Ford Fashion. He will also champion long-term value creation and maintain critical oversight of the group's Textile Division, the Office of the General Counsel (including Internal Audit), and External Relations, which encompasses Sustainability, Investor Relations, and Corporate Communications.

Assuming the pivotal role of CEO for the entire Ermenegildo Zegna Group, subject to shareholder approval, will be Gianluca Tagliabue, currently the group's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Working in close collaboration with the Executive Chairman, Tagliabue will be instrumental in defining and implementing the company's overarching long-term strategy. His mandate includes enhancing business performance across all brands, strengthening the integration of corporate functions, and overseeing all operational aspects of the group. The CEOs of the individual brands within the group will report directly to him.

Further strengthening the financial leadership team, Gian Franco Santhià, presently the Group Control and Chief Accounting Officer, will be appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of the group. In this role, Santhià will report to the incoming Group CEO, Gianluca Tagliabue, solidifying the new C-suite structure.

A notable aspect of this generational shift is the appointment of Edoardo and Angelo Zegna, members of the fourth generation of the Zegna family, as Co-CEOs of the flagship Zegna brand. They will jointly succeed Gildo Zegna, who admirably led the brand for over two decades, marking a significant transition in the brand's leadership.

Edoardo Zegna, currently the brand’s Chief Marketing and Digital Officer and the group’s Chief Sustainability Officer, will oversee all facets of brand strategy, from image and communications to, in collaboration with Zegna Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori, the design of collections and stores. Angelo Zegna, who currently serves as Zegna’s EMEA CEO and Global Client Strategy Director, will be responsible for product development, merchandising, and commercial strategy, driving performance across all markets and channels.

Reflecting on these changes, Gildo Zegna stated, "One of the most important responsibilities of a leader is to look ahead, prepare for the future and empower the next generation of leadership. This belief has always been deeply rooted in our family values and is the driving force behind today's announcement." He expressed profound confidence in Gianluca Tagliabue, noting, "Over the past ten years, Gianluca has been a central figure, and together we have navigated fundamental transformations. The Ermenegildo Zegna Group is a custodian of authenticity. Gianluca embodies this philosophy and, in his leadership role, will support the CEOs of our brands in pursuing the group's mission."

Gildo Zegna further lauded Edoardo and Angelo, emphasizing their "complementary skills and a clear long-term vision, making them the best team to lead the Zegna brand." He added, "Together, they will not only carry on the 100-year legacy of the Zegna brand, but will further strengthen it. As executive chairman, I will stand alongside our new leadership team [...] I will also continue to oversee the group's textile platform – where it all began."

The Ermenegildo Zegna Group continues to hold a leading position in the high-end menswear sector, employing over 7,100 people globally and reporting impressive revenues of €1.95 billion in 2024, demonstrating its robust market presence as it embarks on this new chapter of leadership.