MILAN – In a surprise move, the Ermenegildo Zegna Group on Monday revealed its succession plan, effective Jan. 1.
Gildo Zegna, chairman and chief executive officer of the group, will become executive chairman.
Gianluca Tagliabue, currently chief financial officer, will take on the role of CEO of the group.
Gildo Zegna’s sons Angelo and Edoardo will become co-CEOs of the Zegna brand.
“I am proud and excited about today’s announcement. One of the most important responsibilities of a leader is to think ahead—to prepare for the future and empower the next generation of leadership. This belief has always been deeply rooted in our family values and is a key force behind today’s announcement,” said the executive.
About Tagliabue, he said that “over the past decade, Gianluca has been a cornerstone of our group, leading the company through key transformations. The Ermenegildo Zegna Group is a custodian of authenticity. Gianluca embodies this philosophy and will support the CEOs of our brands in pursuing the Group’s mission as a trusted and forward-looking guide.”
He explained that “Edoardo and Angelo’s complementary strengths and clear vision will make them a highly effective team to lead the Zegna brand. They continue the family legacy and have demonstrated their business leadership over the past years. Together, they will not only carry forward the brand’s timeless heritage, but strengthen it further.”
In his new role as executive chairman, he pledged to “stand alongside our new leadership team and all our colleagues — a curious and passionate custodian of our brands’ vision and values, as I have always been. I will also continue to oversee the group’s textile platform where it all began. I am looking forward to shaping our group’s next chapter with this new leadership team.”
As well as the group’s textile division, he will oversee the group general counsel’s office (including internal audit), and the external relations department which encompasses sustainability, investor relations, and corporate communications.
The executive has been instrumental in shaping the Zegna group, taking control of the Thom Browne brand in 2018; working with artistic director Alessandro Sartori on the One Brand strategy, inking a long-term agreement with the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. in 2023 for the production and distribution of the Tom Ford Fashion label and publicly listing the group on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2021.
