Dolce & Gabbana names ex-Gucci boss Cantino as co-CEO
This comes after its evolution from a fashion brand to a lifestyle company
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[PARIS] Dolce & Gabbana appointed former Gucci boss Stefano Cantino as co-chief executive officer, after the departure of co-founder Stefano Gabbana as chairman.
Cantino will work alongside Alfonso Dolce, brother of co-founder Domenico Dolce, the current CEO and chairman, based on a statement on Monday (Apr 13). Cantino previously worked at Prada.
Gabbana, 63, stepped down in December 2025, with Alfonso Dolce taking over as chairman in January 2026.
The changes were “part of a natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance”, the company said on Friday. It added that Gabbana’s move would “have no impact” on his creative activities.
The closely-held company has been squeezed by a prolonged slump in the luxury industry, recently compounded by uncertainty stemming from the war in Iran. The setbacks have weighed on its earnings and made it tougher to meet the terms governing its debt.
Gabbana is mulling alternative options for his holding of about 40 per cent in the company, which is entering a new round of debt talks with creditors, Bloomberg News reported.
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The company’s lenders are seeking an injection of as much as 150 million euros (S$223.7 million) in fresh funds as part of a broader refinancing of 450 million euros of debt, sources said.
The brand is considering the disposal of real estate assets and renewal of licences to raise the money, the sources added.
Dolce & Gabbana became one of the world’s most recognisable fashion brands soon after its founding in the mid-80s, with its Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic.
Although Gabbana and Domenico Dolce split more than 20 years ago, they remained business partners and co-own a holding that controls 80 per cent of the firm. The remainder is separately held by Domenico, Alfonso and their sister Dorotea.
Cantino’s arrival comes after Dolce & Gabbana’s evolution “from a fashion brand to a lifestyle company”, the brand said. BLOOMBERG
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