MILAN — Giulio Bergamaschi is to exit his role as Acqua di Parma’s chief executive officer, WWD has learned.
According to an internal memo seen by WWD, Bergamaschi will move to another brand under Acqua di Parma’s parent, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, as he has been appointed Louis Vuitton’s chief product officer for the men’s division, effective Sept. 1.
“In his new role, Giulio will bring his extensive expertise in product development, his sophisticated approach to communication positioning, as well as his experience in creating immersive retail experiences,” read the internal statement sent out by Louis Vuitton’s deputy CEO Damien Bertrand.
Bergamaschi took the helm of Acqua di Parma in 2023, after an 18-year career at L’Oréal and a stint at Loro Piana. When he joined the Italian beauty brand, Bergamaschi succeeded Laura Burdese, who at the end of 2021 moved to fellow LVMH-controlled firm Bulgari, first as vice president of marketing and communication and member of the executive committee, and then promoted to deputy CEO. As reported, Burdese is set to become Bulgari’s new CEO on Wednesday, succeeding Jean-Christophe Babin.
A 2004 graduate of Milan’s Bocconi University, Bergamaschi joined L’Oréal that same year, where he gained experience in product development and communication and held international and strategic roles, such as global brand president of Biotherm and general manager of L’Oréal Paris DMI in China. In April 2022, Bergamaschi joined LVMH as strategic missions director for Loro Piana.
“Throughout his previous roles, Giulio has demonstrated his vision, combined with a strong product sensibility,” said the internal statement about his new role at Louis Vuitton. “His collaborative leadership has been affirmed in complex roles and strategic markets, such as China. His achievements include the enhancement of textile excellences at Loro Piana, a commitment materialized by the Aura Blockchain Consortium traceability certification, as well as the transformation of Acqua di Parma, which has significantly strengthened the brand desirability and the exclusivity of its distribution model.”
Acqua di Parma’s new seasonal store in Italy’s Paraggi.
Courtesy of Acqua di Parma
In a separate internal announcement seen by WWD, the LVMH Group appointed Louis-Antoine Rousseau managing director of Acqua di Parma, effective Sept. 1.
He will report to Véronique Courtois, president and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior and of the LVMH Group’s beauty division.
Currently, Rousseau is general manager of Parfums Christian Dior in Hong Kong. Succession plans at that brand have not yet been communicated.
A graduate of Université Paris Dauphine, Rousseau has 16 years of experience in marketing and brand management, primarily acquired in the consumer goods and luxury sectors. He began his career at L’Oréal in 2009, before joining Danone as group marketing manager for Laboratoire Gallia. He then joined Parfums Christian Dior, where he successively held the positions of global marketing manager for La Collection Privée, marketing director Asia-Pacific, then general manager for Hong Kong and Macau.
“I have had the privilege of seeing Louis-Antoine grow and establish himself over the years, and it is with great pride that I hand him the reins of Acqua di Parma today,” Courtois said in the statement. “He will, with talent and conviction, contribute to the development of this magnificent maison. I know he will do so with the same passion and rigor that have always driven him,” she added, while thanking Bergamaschi “for his immense contribution to the elevation of the Maison Acqua di Parma.”
In his new role, Rousseau will be tasked with continuing the transformation of Acqua di Parma from a pure beauty player to a lifestyle brand. “His vision and experience in central and market roles within Parfums Christian Dior will be crucial assets to ensure constant growth and maximize the market potential of [Acqua di Parma],” read the statement.
This is a key year for Acqua di Parma, which is marking its 110th anniversary. Among the initiatives, it unveiled a special advertising campaign fronted by Michael Fassbender and Sabrina Impacciatore, opened its first store in Florence and launched a series of activations and collaborations during Milan Design Week and, more recently, in Italy’s Paraggi, a coastal gem located a stone’s throw away from Portofino.
The Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato limited-edition fragrance by Acqua di Parma.
Courtesy of Acqua Di Parma
