Gucci Appoints Alessio Vannetti as New Chief Brand Officer — Retail Bum

Gucci has hired former Valentino executive Alessio Vannetti as its new chief brand officer.

Vannetti last served as Valentino’s brand chief until July 2023; before that, he was Gucci’s global communications director between 2015 and 2019.

As Gucci’s new chief brand officer, Vannetti will be tasked with developing brand messaging while highlighting the brand’s heritage story. He will also help shore up excitement for the brand’s new creative designer, Sabato de Sarno.

Vanetti, who is taking over the role from Gucci veteran Susan Chokachi, is being hired into the position just as CEO Marco Bizzarri is preparing to leave and De Sarno is prepping for his debut at the Milan Fashion Week on September 22, 2023. According to sources, while there is excitement surrounding De Sarno’s debut, investors and some Gucci insiders are anxious about the brand’s muted approach to marketing De Sarno’s launch.

While it remains to be seen how De Sarno’s first collection will be received, the designer is seemingly drawing inspiration from Gucci’s Tom Ford era; a Gucci jewelry campaign recently showcased model Daria Werbowy wearing Tom Ford era-inspired black bikini briefs with oversized gold earrings.

In July 2023, Gucci’s parent company, Kering, announced plans to acquire a 30% stake from Qatari investment fund Mayhoola. The decision was part of the company’s effort to reboot its business and make itself more competitive against rivals like LVMH, who are continuing to enjoy robust sales.

Originally published at https://retailbum.com on September 1, 2023.