MILAN – Stefano Cantino’s reorganization of Gucci continues.
Effective Jan. 1, Francesco Falai, currently Gucci’s senior vice president of global people retail and business, will assume the role of chief people officer. He will report to Cantino, currently deputy chief executive officer, who will transition to the role of CEO on the same day, succeeding Jean-François Palus.
Falai will succeed Luca Bozzo. The latter will exit Gucci at the end of December to pursue an external career opportunity after more than seven years with the company and 14 years within parent Kering Group. This confirms a WWD report earlier this month.
“During his tenure, Bozzo played a key role in contributing to Gucci’s success by bringing an innovative HR strategy and strengthening a dynamic, people-empowerment culture,” Gucci stated in a note seen exclusively by WWD.
Falai joined Gucci in January 2017 as worldwide HR retail director, following 12 years at the Prada Group, where he held roles of increasing responsibility within the HR division. During his time at Gucci, Falai has progressively expanded his scope to include all business functions.
In his new role, Falai with Cantino will be tasked “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,” stated Gucci.
This is the latest step of the structure Cantino has been building over the past few months.
As reported, Valérie Leberichel will join Gucci as senior vice president of global communications at the end of December, reporting directly to Cantino. Gucci is leveraging her 27 years of experience in marketing and communication strategy. Since April 2022 she has been global vice president of communications at Givenchy, which is in the midst of its own turnaround with the arrival of former Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton.
Reporting to Leberichel, Marcello Mastrogiacomo will join on Nov. 25 as vice president digital marketing and media. Mastrogiacomo has more than 17 years of experience in global marketing, most recently serving as senior vice president, communication, media and image at Armani Beauty Global within L’Oréal, the Italian designer’s longtime beauty licensee.
Earlier 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.
Another recent development at Gucci is the brand’s plan to return to the coed format.
Creative director Sabato De Sarno will present the brand’s men’s and women’s collections together in a single fashion show in February and September, respectively, as part of the Milan Fashion Week calendar. The cruise 2026 fashion show is expected to take place in Florence on May 15.
