A new generation prepares to lead Zegna The Group also announced new leadership that will guide it into the future
The long-awaited generational handover has finally taken place within the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, one of the historic icons of Italian elegance. Yesterday the company announced an organizational restructuring that will take effect from January 1, 2026.
What's new for the Zegna Group?
At the heart of these changes is Ermenegildo “Gildo” Zegna, the emblematic figure who has led the company for decades as Chairman and CEO. Starting next year, he will assume the role of Executive Chairman, focusing primarily on preserving the heritage and essence of the Group’s main brands: Zegna, Thom Browne and Tom Ford. His responsibilities will include overseeing the textile division and legal functions (including internal audit), as well as external relations, ranging from environmental sustainability to investor relations and corporate communications.
Taking operational control as the new Group CEO will be Gianluca Tagliabue, currently Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His appointment, subject to shareholder approval, will see him working closely with the Executive Chairman to define and implement long-term strategic plans. Among his priorities will be optimizing the performance of the various brands, coordinating corporate activities, and managing day-to-day operations. All individual brand CEOs will report directly to him. To support him on financial matters, Gian Franco Santhià will be promoted to Group Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the new CEO.
Who are Zegna's new co-CEOs?
A particularly significant aspect of this transition is the entry of the fourth generation of the Zegna family at the helm of the flagship brand. Edoardo and Angelo Zegna have been appointed Co-CEOs of the Zegna brand, succeeding Gildo after more than two decades. Edoardo Zegna, currently head of marketing and digital for the brand as well as Group Chief Sustainability Officer, will oversee strategic elements such as shaping the overall brand image and managing communication campaigns, while collaborating with Creative Director Alessandro Sartori on collection design and store concepts.
Angelo Zegna, who currently leads the EMEA region for the brand and directs global client strategy, will focus on product development, merchandising, and commercial tactics. His goal will be to drive sales across different markets and distribution channels, fostering targeted and sustainable growth. Gildo Zegna expressed great satisfaction and optimism, emphasizing that one of a leader’s fundamental duties is to plan for tomorrow by preparing the next generation to take the baton. In his new role, Gildo will remain an active mentor to the team, keeping a special focus on the textile division—the origin of the entire brand universe.
Takeaways
- Effective January 1, 2026, Gildo Zegna will step down from operational leadership to become Executive Chairman, handing the CEO role to Gianluca Tagliabue, while Gian Franco Santhià will become the new CFO.
- The Zegna brand will be jointly led by the fourth generation of the family, with Edoardo and Angelo Zegna appointed co-CEOs, succeeding Gildo after more than twenty years.
- The new structure strengthens the generational transition and integration across the Group’s brands (Zegna, Thom Browne and Tom Ford Fashion), keeping the family at the core of strategy while Gildo remains guardian of the heritage and the textile division.
