Givenchy
French luxury brand Givenchy, under the LVMH group, recently announced the appointment of Benjamin Cercio as its new Global Communications Director, effective immediately. Cercio succeeds Valérie Leberichel, who recently left Givenchy to join Gucci as Senior Vice President of Global Communications.
This leadership change aligns with Givenchy’s new era under Sarah Burton, the new Creative Director, and Alessandro Valenti, the new CEO.
In his role, Cercio will oversee the brand’s global image, public relations, events, digital, visual merchandising, and cultural heritage departments, collaborating closely with Burton and Valenti to enhance Givenchy’s global influence and brand image. Cercio will execute these responsibilities through his newly established branding and communications agency, Bencercio, while also consulting for other clients.
Cercio brings extensive experience from his 16 years at Louis Vuitton, where he served as International Director of Press, Influence, and Entertainment Relations. He later joined Gucci in November 2022 as Global Communications Director, a position he held until March 2024. Cercio is renowned for his expertise in celebrity relations and entertainment endorsements, having built a strong network of talents, agents, stylists, and PR professionals. His tenure at Louis Vuitton included partnerships with ambassadors such as Emma Stone, Léa Seydoux, Naomi Osaka, and Sophie Turner.
Assouline
Alexandre Assouline has been named President of French cultural luxury brand Assouline, continuing the company’s evolution while working closely with co-founders Proper Assouline and Martine Assouline, his parents.
Founded in 1994 by Proper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is celebrated as “the world’s first luxury book publisher. “It is renowned for producing books priced at $1,000 and above, with a catalog spanning over a thousand titles in fashion, art, architecture, photography, design, and travel. Beyond books, Assouline has expanded into lifestyle products, including home fragrances and art pieces. While LVMH holds a minority stake and serves as an advisor, the company remains family-owned and operated.
Since joining in 2016 as Director of Marketing and Digital Operations, Alexandre has driven the brand’s modernization. Promoted to Global Vice President in 2018 and later Director of Operations, Brand, and Strategy, he repositioned Assouline as a luxury lifestyle brand, stating, “We are not publishers; we are a luxury brand.”
In 2024, Assouline celebrated its 30th anniversary by expanding its product lines and retail operations. It opened standalone boutiques and department store counters globally, as well as a pop-up on Madison Avenue in New York. The brand now boasts 14 stores worldwide.
Confindustria Moda (Italian Fashion Industry Federation)
Under the leadership of Sergio Tamborini, Confindustria Moda has announced the new Chairpersons for its Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s Wear divisions for the 2024-2028 term.
- Carlo Colombo, CEO of Italian ski apparel group Manifattura Mario Colombo & C. Spa, was elected Chairperson of the Women’s Wear division.
- Alessandra Guffanti, CEO of international distributor Tricodor Srl – Showroom Guffanti, continues her role as Chairperson of the Children’s Wear division.
- Andrea Lardini, CEO of Italian tailored menswear brand Lardini Spa, retains his position as Chairperson of the Men’s Wear division.
Carlo Colombo (left), Alessandra Guffanti (middle), Andrea Lardini (right)
The federation highlighted Carlo Colombo’s extensive experience and respect within the fashion supply chain, expressing confidence in his ability to guide the Women’s Wear division through challenges and opportunities. Meanwhile, Guffanti and Lardini’s reappointments ensure continuity and strategic vision for their respective divisions.
Sergio Tamborini extended warm congratulations to the three appointees, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute to the growth and success of their sectors while upholding the federation’s values and aspirations.
| Source: Official brand websites, LinkedIn pages, and executive profiles; The Impression, Threads
| Image Credit: Official brand websites and LinkedIn pages
| Editor: LeZhi
