The business of true luxury

FOR most people, retirement means leisurely days ahead, jet-setting across the world, fine-dining at restaurants and playing endless rounds of golf with nary a care. But not for Domenico De Sole, former CEO of the Gucci Group. Back in 2004, he thought about retiring when he left the company after 20 years. Those retirement plans never panned out because in the following year, he became chairman of Tom Ford International, the firm he started with the American designer.

Under Mr De Sole's leadership, the Gucci Group went from near bankruptcy in 1994 to become one of the most profitable luxury multi-brand companies in the world, by acquiring brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta. Together with Tom Ford, he defended Gucci from an alleged takeover by LVMH.

Passion for success