The Official Statement and Leadership Change
In the press release, Valentino’s board stated: “Today, Valentino announces that it has reached a mutual agreement with Jacopo Venturini to terminate his employment and board roles effective August 13, 2025, as Mr Venturini has decided to take a break for personal reasons.”
This mutual agreement, reflecting respect for Venturini’s personal choice, marks the conclusion of his impactful leadership at the Rome-based couture giant. The company further announced that a successor will be announced in due course, indicating the start of a new chapter for Valentino as it searches for its next strategic captain.
Venturini’s career reveals a long-standing connection with Valentino. He first joined the brand from 2000 to 2004 as brand manager, left for Prada, and then returned in 2008, remaining until 2015 before moving to Gucci. His arrival as CEO in 2020 saw him guiding the company through some of its most challenging times, such as lockdown-era store closures, rapid retail expansion in Asia and the Middle East, and repositioning Valentino within the evolving luxury sector
Financial and Creative Challenges
Venturini’s departure comes amid financial challenges for Valentino. Recently, the company has experienced a dip in revenues and operating profit, which coincided with significant investments into a creative overhaul led by the newly appointed creative director, Alessandro Michele. Michele, who joined Valentino after a celebrated tenure at Gucci, brought a fresh aesthetic to the brand, debuting his signature style at Paris Fashion Week.
Ownership Evolution: Kering’s Growing Influence
A significant subplot to Venturini’s exit is Valentino’s evolving ownership structure. In 2023, luxury powerhouse Kering acquired a minority stake in Valentino from the Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, which retains majority control. The deal includes an option for Kering to acquire full ownership in the future, and could allow Mayhoola to become a Kering shareholder. The incoming Kering CEO, Luca de Meo, is expected to take responsibility for Valentino’s long-term strategy, including decisions about its future within Kering’s portfolio.
Industry Commentary & Sector Trends
The timing of Venturini’s departure is noteworthy in the broader context of luxury. The market, once thought resistant to volatility, now feels pressure from changing consumer behaviors and a shifting economy. Leadership changes, along with creative transitions at top brands, increasingly reflect these shifts in sector dynamics and how quickly expectations are shifting in luxury fashion.
The Road Ahead for Valentino
The next Valentino leader will face both unique opportunities and formidable challenges, from converting Alessandro Michele’s creative overhaul into commercial momentum to steering the company through a changing luxury market and guiding the Kering partnership. This pivotal transition presents a crucial crossroads: the new CEO will need to inspire confidence among stakeholders, adapt swiftly to global market trends, and reinforce the brand’s reputation for craftsmanship and creativity. The appointment of a new CEO gives Valentino a chance to evolve, balancing tradition with innovation and heritage with a bold new vision.
Venturini’s departure is not simply a transition; it reflects the rapid pace and rising expectations within modern luxury. As Valentino opens the door to a new era, the fashion community awaits its next leader and the direction the brand will take.
