Stefano Cantino’s appointment comes as Dolce & Gabbana reshapes its organization as it seeks to evolve ‘from a fashion brand to a lifestyle company.’Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana said on Monday it has appointed former Gucci chief executive Stefano Cantino as co-CEO, to work alongside Alfonso Dolce, who has also been performing the role of chairman since co-founder Stefano Gabbana stepped down in January.
Cantino, whose career spans marketing and communications roles, joins the company at a challenging time. It must negotiate a debt refinancing while it faces a prolonged slump in luxury consumer demand that in the 2024-2025 fiscal year led it to post a net loss of €143-million.
Cantino was appointed CEO of Gucci at the beginning of 2025 to help revive the brand, but was replaced just nine months later by Francesca Bellettini as part of a management reshuffle launched by Luca De Meo, the new chief executive of French luxury group Kering.
Stefano Gabbana steps down as Dolce & Gabbana chairman but keeps creative role
Before that, Cantino spent five years at LVMH-owned Louis Vuitton as head of image and communications and earlier worked for two decades at Prada Group in various roles, culminating as director of communications and marketing.
“I am delighted to have Stefano Cantino by my side in this new phase of growth and development of Dolce & Gabbana,” CEO Alfonso Dolce, who is brother of Domenico Dolce, said.
Cantino’s appointment comes as Dolce & Gabbana reshapes its organization as it seeks to evolve “from a fashion brand to a lifestyle company,” the statement said.
Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana founded the Milan-based brand in 1985.
Gabbana will retain creative duties after stepping down as chairman, the company said on Friday.
