Jacopo Venturini is stepping down as CEO of Valentino, the Rome-based luxury fashion house, after five years in the role. The company confirmed on Thursday that his employment and board positions will end on August 13, following what it described as a “mutual agreement” as Venturini takes a break for personal reasons. A successor will be announced in due course.
Venturini joined Valentino in June 2020 after serving as Gucci’s vice president of merchandising and global markets. At Valentino, he initially collaborated with creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli until 2024, before reuniting with former Gucci creative head Alessandro Michele, who took over as Valentino’s creative director last year.
The incoming CEO will inherit challenges, as Valentino faces a slowdown in the luxury sector. In 2024, the brand’s sales fell 2% to €1.31 billion, while EBITDA dropped 22% year-on-year to €246 million. They will also oversee the ongoing sale of Valentino to Kering. In 2023, Qatari investment group Mayhoola sold a 30% stake in Valentino to Kering, with an option for the French luxury giant to acquire full ownership by 2028. Whether new Kering CEO Luca de Meo, who takes office on September 15, will review that agreement remains to be seen.
Sources indicate Michele will remain in his role, with his next collection for Valentino set for October 5 in Paris, showcasing the Spring 2026 line.