BVLGARI
French luxury conglomerate LVMH has appointed Laura Burdese as the new CEO of Italian high jewelry brand BVLGARI, effective July 1, 2026. Burdese announced the news via her personal LinkedIn account.
She will succeed Jean-Christophe Babin, who has served as CEO for over 12 years. Burdese will report to Stéphane Bianchi, CEO of LVMH’s Watches and Jewelry Division, Group Managing Director, and Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Jean-Christophe Babin joined LVMH in 2000 as CEO of TAG Heuer and became CEO of BVLGARI in 2013. He will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of BVLGARI, CEO of the BVLGARI Hotels business unit, and Chairman of the BVLGARI Foundation, reporting also to Stéphane Bianchi.
Laura Burdese joined LVMH in 2016 as CEO of Italian fragrance brand Acqua di Parma. She moved to BVLGARI in 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, was promoted to Deputy CEO in July 2024, and will assume the CEO role in 2026.
Prior to joining LVMH, Burdese worked at the Swatch Group for 17 years, initially as Market Director for Italy, then holding management roles at Klein Watch and Jewelry and Swatch Group Italy. In 2012, she was appointed President and CEO of Calvin Klein Watches and Jewelry.
She began her career in the beauty industry, holding brand management roles at Beiersdorf and L’Oréal.
Hang Lung Properties / Hang Lung Group
On December 18, Hang Lung Group Limited (HKEX: 00010) and Hang Lung Properties Limited (HKEX: 00101) announced that CEO and Executive Director Weber Lo will retire by August 31, 2026.
The Board is currently conducting a comprehensive search for his successor.
Ronnie C. Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Group, said, “Weber has led the Group through significant challenges, while solidifying our business foundations and initiating the V.3 strategy that will power our growth for decades to come. I look forward to him continuing to support the Group in an advisory capacity in a formal role to be determined after his retirement.”
Weber Lo commented, “The past eight years at Hang Lung have been the golden period of my professional career. During this time, we have strengthened the’ 66′ brand and launched major initiatives such as expanding collaborations with luxury brands across various cities. Through a comprehensive customer relationship management program, we’ve also elevated our customer-centric service and built a strong team aligned with our vision, mission, and values.”
Salomon
Scott Mellin, Global Chief Brand Officer of French sports brand Salomon, will step down in April 2026. He announced the news via his personal LinkedIn account.
Mellin joined Salomon in January 2023 as Global Chief Brand Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to this, he founded his own brand consultancy, PROJECT aspen, and served as CEO of U.S. textile company LifeLabs Design.
His previous roles also include Global VP of Mountain Sports at The North Face, CEO of advertising agency Factory Design Labs, and executive positions at Benetton Group and Snowsports Industries America.
Puma
Kerstin Neuber, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at German sports brand Puma, announced her departure via her personal LinkedIn account.
Puma stated that current Head of Corporate Communications, Robert-Jan Bartunek, will assume the role on an interim basis until a permanent successor is appointed.
Neuber had been with Puma for 18 years, starting as Group PR Manager, then serving as Deputy Head of Corporate Communications and later Head of Corporate Communications. She was promoted to Senior Director in 2018. Prior to joining Puma, she worked as a correspondent and journalist for Reuters.
| Source: Executives’ personal LinkedIn accounts, official company press releases, fashionnetwork.com
| Image Credit: Executives’ personal LinkedIn accounts
| Editor: LeZhi
