Paris-based haute couture house Christian Dior has announced the appointment of Benedetta Petruzzo, CEO of Miu Miu, as the company’s new managing director, in a surprise move.
Petruzzo will report to Delphine Arnault, chairwoman and chief executive of Christian Dior Couture and the eldest daughter of Bernard Arnault, the French billionaire who controls luxury conglomerate LVMH, of which Dior is a key brand.
“I am convinced that Benedetta’s talent and leadership will be a major asset in the continued development of Dior’s activities and its international influence,” Delphine Arnault said in a statement. “Her expertise in the luxury goods market will continue to reinforce Dior’s desire and success. Together with the excellence of our teams, we will continue to build the future and strengthen our organization.”
“I am deeply honored to join Dior,” added Petruzzo. “I am proud to be entrusted with this great responsibility and to join such an iconic house. I would like to thank Delphine Arnault warmly for the trust she has placed in me, and I look forward to working closely with the Executive Committee and the Presidents of the Regions to further contribute to the development of Dior’s business.”
Petrozzo will take up her position on October 15, 2024, or three weeks after Dior’s next fashion show, scheduled for Tuesday, September 24. The new hire will thus work closely with her Italian colleague, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s Rome-born haute couture designer.
The appointment will come as something of a shock, as Petruzzo will succeed Charles Delapalme, who joined Dior in 2018.
“After a transition period, Charles Delapalme, the current Managing Director, will assume important new responsibilities within the LVMH Group, which will be announced at a later date,” according to the statement.
“Delphine Arnault would like to extend her sincere thanks to Charles Delapalme for his tireless commitment and significant contribution to strengthening Dior’s position since 2018,” Dior added.
Petrozzo joined the Prada Group in 2020 as CEO of Miu Miu. Previously, she was Executive Vice President of North America at Kering Eyewear, where she served for five years in key management positions. She began her career in finance before joining management consulting firm Bain & Company, where she worked for several years in the retail and luxury goods sector.
Petrozzo also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Administrative Sciences from Bocconi University, the most prestigious university in Italy.
All rights reserved © 2024 FashionNetwork.com.