Editor’s Note
This article outlines a planned leadership transition at Bulgari, with Laura Burdese set to become CEO in July 2026. The extended handover period highlights a strategic approach to succession, ensuring continuity as Jean Christophe Babin prepares to pass on operational duties.
Bulgari has appointed Laura Burdese as its new Chief Executive Officer. The leadership change is being implemented with advance notice, as Burdese will officially assume her new position on July 1, 2026. She will take over the operational leadership from Jean Christophe Babin, who has shaped the brand for over a decade.
Laura Burdese has been part of the LVMH Group for around ten years. She began her career there as President and CEO of Acqua di Parma, where she strategically developed and internationally positioned the brand. In 2022, she moved to Bulgari and took on the role of Chief Marketing Officer. In this capacity, she was instrumental in transforming the brand’s communication and further elevating the Roman Maison. In July 2024, she was appointed Deputy CEO and has since been preparing for full operational responsibility.
Jean Christophe Babin is stepping down from the role of Bulgari CEO after more than 25 years with the LVMH Group. Initially working at TAG Heuer, he later took over the leadership of Bulgari and initiated a comprehensive strategic and structural transformation. Under his leadership, Bulgari strengthened its position as a Roman high jeweler, significantly expanded its watch division, and broadened its activities in the luxury hospitality sector with new locations in international metropolises. Furthermore, Babin deliberately focused on strengthening Italian craftsmanship. This includes, among other things, the expansion of production facilities in Valenza and the establishment of the Scuola Bulgari to promote artisanal training.
Babin will remain closely connected to the brand. He will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bulgari, as CEO of the Bulgari Hotel Business Unit, and as President of the Bulgari Foundation, and will continue to report to Stéphane Bianchi.
Before joining LVMH, Laura Burdese gained extensive experience in the international consumer goods and luxury industry. She began her career in the beauty industry and held brand management roles at Beiersdorf and L’Oréal. In 1999, she moved to the Swatch Group, where she initially worked as Marketing Director for Italy and later assumed leadership positions within the group. Another career step followed at Calvin Klein Watch and Jewelry, where she was appointed President and CEO of the company in 2012. Burdese holds a degree in International Economics from the University of Trieste and a Master’s degree in Marketing and Communication.
With the appointment of Laura Burdese, Bulgari is focusing on internal continuity and a long-term leadership perspective. The planned transition period underscores the group’s ambition to combine strategic stability with targeted development.