Valentino Appoints Riccardo Bellini CEO Amid Kering Ownership Review

Valentino has appointed Riccardo Bellini as its new chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2025, succeeding Jacopo Venturini who departed last week. Bellini, previously managing director of Mayhoola—the Qatari investment group owning Valentino and other luxury brands—brings extensive experience from his leadership roles at Maison Margiela, Chloé, Diesel, and Procter & Gamble. His appointment comes amid a challenging period for Valentino, with sales declining and profits squeezed due to a luxury market slowdown and difficulties in translating creative vision into commercial success. The brand faces pressure to recalibrate its marketing and merchandising strategies to balance creative boldness with broader client appeal. Concurrently, Kering, which holds a 30% stake in Valentino, is reconsidering plans to take full control of the brand amid its own financial challenges. Bellini has emphasized honoring Valentino’s heritage while shaping its future, working closely with creative director Alessandro Michele to drive the brand forward.