Marsocci officially took on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Armani Group, bringing over 35 years of international experience in the fashion and luxury sector to this crucial position. The Board of Directors of Giorgio Armani SpA announced the appointment, which is effective immediately. This confirms what many industry observers had anticipated following the recent passing of the company’s founder, Giorgio Armani, in September.
This decision reflects the careful succession plan outlined by Giorgio Armani before his death, emphasizing continuity and respect for the principles that have sustained the brand for five decades. Marsocci spent 23 years at the Armani Group, holding positions of increasing responsibility in Milan, New York, and other international offices. Since 2019, he has worked directly with Mr. Armani, serving as Deputy Managing Director and Global Chief Commercial Officer.
From Turin to New York
The 61-year-old Turin native graduated from the University of Turin with a degree in Economics and Commerce before beginning his career in the fashion world. His early assignments included sales, marketing, and brand management at the GFT Group in Turin, where he worked with prestigious brands such as Valentino, Dior, Ungaro, Stone Island, and Armani. He then spent five years at Fila Sport, part of the HDP Group, where he headed international business development before joining the Armani Group in 2003.
His trajectory within Armani tells the story of steady professional growth. He served as the commercial director of Armani Collezioni and as the CEO of the Swiss branch, which functioned as the logistics and customer service hub for foreign markets. He was also the global director of diffusion and wholesale lines. His decade in the United States proved particularly formative. He began as president of Trimil US, a Zegna-Armani joint venture, before assuming the role of CEO of the Americas from 2014 to 2019.
Continuity through knowledge
The Giorgio Armani Foundation unanimously proposed Marsocci’s appointment. Marsocci will report to the Board of Directors, which is chaired by Leo Dell’Orco. Silvana Armani will be appointed vice president. Dell’Orco has served alongside Giorgio Armani for decades. He now chairs both the company board and the Giorgio Armani Foundation. He explained the rationale behind the selection.
Dell’Orco commented: “His international professional experience, deep knowledge of the sector and the company, discretion, loyalty, and team spirit, together with his closeness to Mr. Armani in recent years, make Giuseppe the most natural choice to ensure continuity with the path outlined by the founder.” This statement emphasizes qualities that go beyond technical competence, such as an understanding of the Armani ethos and values.
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Challenges ahead
Accepting the position, Marsocci acknowledged the honor and complexity of his new responsibilities. Giuseppe Marsocci stated: “I thank the Foundation, the Board of Directors, and the Armani family for the trust placed in me. This is a project of extraordinary importance, of continuity and enhancement of one of the most prestigious Made in Italy brands in the world, which has elevated itself for clients and the market from a simple brand to a true lifestyle brand.”
He continued, “The goal is challenging, especially in a luxury market undergoing deep reflection, but it is achievable thanks to the fundamental contribution of an excellent team of clients, suppliers, partners, and passionate collaborators worldwide and especially in Milan, many of whom have been close to Mr. Armani for many years. Together, we will do everything to perpetuate his business model and his idea of beauty, and we will carry it forward with consistency and sensitivity, taking into account the values and expectations of a changing world.”
Strategic responsibilities
Marsocci will oversee the complex transition outlined in Giorgio Armani’s will, including the sale of a 15 percent stake in the company. Priority for this acquisition has been given to luxury conglomerate LVMH, beauty giant L’Oréal, eyewear leader EssilorLuxottica, and other groups of equivalent standing. The bylaws established by Giorgio Armani in 2016 stipulate that major moves such as IPOs or mergers and acquisitions cannot occur until five years after his passing, providing a period of stability.
In 2024, the Armani Group generated revenues of 2.3 billion euros, maintaining its position as one of the few major luxury houses that remain privately held. Control of the company is structured into six share classes, which allow for differentiated shareholder roles within the governance framework.
Board composition
The final composition of the Board of Directors will be determined in the coming weeks, once procedures are completed and the will is executed. The decision to proceed with the CEO appointment now was made to ensure uninterrupted management during this transition phase. The current board structure includes Leo Dell’Orco as chairman and family members Silvana Armani, Roberta Armani, and Andrea Camerana as directors. These individuals are Giorgio Armani’s grandchildren and reinforce the company’s commitment to internal succession planning by involving trusted figures who are already involved in decision-making processes.
The Giorgio Armani Foundation, established in 2016, holds 30 percent of the voting rights, while Dell’Orco personally controls 40 percent. This distribution ensures that the founder’s vision will remain central to future strategic decisions.
A lifestyle brand
Throughout his six years reporting directly to Mr. Armani, Marsocci sat on numerous company boards, including Giorgio Armani Retail Srl as president and various foreign group companies as CEO or president. This comprehensive exposure to different aspects of the business has equipped him with detailed operational knowledge spanning retail, commercial strategy, and international markets.
Outside the office, Marsocci has interests in sports, journalism, oenology, and philosophy. These pursuits suggest someone who is comfortable with analytical thinking and has an appreciation for aesthetics and cultural depth.
Preserving the vision
Giorgio Armani’s succession planning reflected years of careful consideration. Before his death, he expressed his desire to gradually transfer responsibilities to his close collaborators and family members instead of making abrupt changes. The appointment of Marsocci fulfills this vision by selecting someone who combines deep company knowledge with extensive international experience.
The Armani family’s commitment to continuing Giorgio Armani’s legacy remains evident. The founder’s detailed instructions specified that the brand must continuously pursue an “essential, modern, elegant, and unostentatious style with attention to detail and wearability,” ensuring that the creative direction stays true to his aesthetic principles.
Marsocci is assuming leadership during a time when he himself describes the luxury market as undergoing deep reflection. The sector faces evolving consumer expectations, shifting global economic conditions, and questions about sustainability and brand values. His acknowledgment of these challenges, paired with his confidence in his team, suggests a pragmatic approach to leadership.
The Armani Group maintains full vertical integration, from design to production to retail — a model Giorgio Armani preserved throughout his career. This structure provides advantages in quality control but presents challenges in operational complexity.
