Paris, July 18, 2023
Luxury fashion titan, Ermenegildo Zegna Group, reveals their latest strategic move in the game of style, appointing Lelio Gavazza as the CEO of Tom Ford Fashion.
The illustrious world of high fashion is buzzing as Ermenegildo Zegna Group announces Lelio Gavazza as the new CEO of Tom Ford Fashion, an appointment that charts a promising course for the newly acquired brand.
Gavazza, the Executive Vice President, Sales & Retail at Bulgari — a luxury giant within the LVMH conglomerate — has been appointed to oversee the fashion division of the Tom Ford brand.
This significant announcement arrives a year after Zegna acquired the American designer’s fashion business from Estée Lauder Companies Inc., under a long-term license.
The appointment sees Gavazza reporting directly to Ermenegildo ‘Gildo’ Zegna, the CEO of the eponymous group.
His responsibilities will not be confined to one aspect of the business but will span the full spectrum of Tom Ford Fashion—from the development of collections and merchandising to production and distribution on a retail and wholesale level.
With more than two decades of robust experience in the global luxury industry, Gavazza’s appointment aligns perfectly with Zegna’s ambitions for Tom Ford.
The group has made clear their intent to propel Tom Ford to the apex of global fashion brands, particularly extending its reach beyond the current primary market in the US.
During his tenure at Bulgari, Gavazza cultivated an impressive track record across several key regional leadership roles.
As the former Managing Director of Greater China and Europe, Middle East, and Africa, his extensive understanding of luxury distribution and retail markets, digital prowess, and in-depth knowledge of crucial markets like China, will undoubtedly prove instrumental in executing Zegna’s vision for Tom Ford.
Zegna’s Chairman and CEO, Gildo Zegna, praised Gavazza’s appointment, noting his “strong global leadership” and “outstanding luxury expertise” across diverse areas from retail management to marketing and key markets.
He further acknowledged Gavazza’s “world-class business acumen, deep international experience, and leadership skills,” traits that will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the expansion of Tom Ford’s business.
In synergy with Guillaume Jesel, President and CEO of Tom Ford, Gavazza is poised to ensure a harmonized alignment of fashion with a comprehensive luxury strategy for the brand.
Jesel expressed eagerness to work closely with Gavazza and the Zegna team, cementing the “exceptional and longstanding relationship” between Estée Lauder Companies, Tom Ford, and the Zegna Group.
Reacting to his new appointment, Gavazza expressed, “I am honored to join Zegna Group as its CEO of TOM FORD FASHION and look forward to working with Gildo Zegna and partnering with Guillaume Jesel to continue to foster the growth of Tom Ford at the pinnacle of luxury fashion.”
The world watches with anticipation as this key appointment signals the next phase in Tom Ford Fashion’s journey—poised on the cusp of global luxury dominance.
Crédits : Tom Ford
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