Italian executive Andrea Guerra is leaving his position at LVMH, the leading luxury group, where he has been serving as a senior executive since early 2020. However, Guerra will continue working with the group as a “strategy and development consultant to the management,” according to a statement by LVMH. Despite stepping down from his current role, Guerra will be pursuing new projects.
After joining LVMH just a year ago, Guerra took charge of the group’s hotel business in 2020, which includes well-known luxury hotels like Cheval Blanc, Belmond, and Orient Express. He was later given additional responsibilities overseeing Italian luxury brands Fendi and Loro Piana. In May 2021, Guerra also joined the board of directors of Thélios, an eyewear manufacturer owned by LVMH.
On May 31, Guerra will officially resign from his positions at LVMH, and the company has assured that a successor will be named soon.
Guerra’s career has spanned several sectors, starting in 1989 when he began working in the hospitality industry as a marketing director at Marriott International. He later held various positions at home appliances producer Merloni Elettrodomestici, now Indesit, ultimately becoming CEO in 2000. In 2004, he took over as CEO of Luxottica, a renowned eyewear group, and successfully increased its revenue from around €4 billion to €7 billion by 2014.
Following a brief break from the corporate world, Guerra advised Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi before becoming executive chairman at Eataly, a prominent Italian fine foods and cuisine group. He left Eataly in late 2019 to join LVMH, where he was appointed to the executive committee in 2020.
Both Guerra and LVMH have confirmed that their separation is mutually agreed upon. LVMH’s CEO, Bernard Arnault, expressed his satisfaction with Guerra’s continued involvement as a consultant, stating, “I am delighted that the group and I will still be able to benefit from Andrea’s advice.” Guerra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with LVMH, saying, “The group’s culture of success, built on a foundation of excellence, has greatly inspired me.” He also mentioned his intention to pursue other entrepreneurial projects.
According to sources in the Italian media, Guerra plans to return to Italy, where he will likely focus on a significant new venture. There is speculation that he may become an investor, potentially establishing an investment fund with the possible participation of Bernard Arnault. Alternatively, Guerra may consider taking on a leadership role in a luxury brand and an accompanying investment fund.
The departure of Andrea Guerra signifies a significant change within LVMH, a company known for its notable acquisitions and successful management of luxury brands. As the group prepares to appoint a successor, the industry will closely follow Guerra’s next moves and the potential impact they may have on the luxury sector.
Useful links:
– LVMH
– Business of Fashion
