MILAN – Bally has a new leader.
WWD has learned that Mario Grauso, operating partner and chief creative officer, “has assumed leadership responsibilities,” in charge of Bally‘s business operations and that general manager Ennio Fontana has exited the brand. In an internal memo seen by WWD, the change is effective immediately and that it is “ensuring continuity across the organization.”
Grauso joined Bally’s owner, investment firm Regent, last April as operating partner of its fashion and luxury group, a new role.
He reports directly to Michael Reinstein, Regent’s chairman and chief executive officer.
Grauso’s expertise in the industry is wide-ranging, as over the years he has held roles as president of Holt Renfrew, Vera Wang Group, Joe Fresh and Puig Fashion, parent of Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci and Paco Rabanne.
The American executive also lists senior positions at Celine, Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani earlier in his career.
Former Dsquared2 and Roberto Cavalli executive Fontana joined Bally as general manager in the fall of 2024, succeeding CEO Nicolas Girotto.
Following his exit, “Bally remains fully committed to its strategic direction and to its customers and partners across all markets. Our priorities and operations continue without interruption,” stated the memo.
After the departure of creative director Simone Bellotti, who joined Jil Sander last March, the brand is designed by its in-house team. Bellotti garnered positive reviews at Bally for his rigorous designs, sleek tailoring and understated chicness.
Bally is headquartered in Caslano, Switzerland, and was founded in 1851 by brothers Carl Franz and Fritz Bally.
In addition to the Swiss storied house, acquired from JAB in August 2024, Regent’s fashion holdings comprise Escada and Club Monaco.
Its wider portfolio also includes the retailer Intermix plus a clutch of hosiery and innerwear players: Dim, Intermix, Playtex, Wonderbra, Bellinda and La Senza.
Based in Beverly Hills, Regent invests across sectors including retail, luxury, media, technology, automotive and industrial. Its holdings range from Sassoon and Lydech to Boundless Learning, DiamondBack, Redline and DryBar, according to its website.
The firm also has offices in New York, Paris, London, Milan, Munich and Washington, D.C.
