Editor’s Note
This article announces a significant leadership transition at Bulgari, with Laura Burdese set to become CEO in July 2026, succeeding Jean-Christophe Babin.
LVMH’s core jewelry brand, Bulgari, has officially announced the appointment of Laura Burdese as its new Chief Executive Officer. This key personnel change will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Burdese will succeed the accomplished leader Jean-Christophe Babin and will report to Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH Group Managing Director and CEO of the Watches & Jewelry division.
Laura Burdese is a seasoned veteran of the LVMH Group. She joined the group in 2016 as President and CEO of Acqua di Parma. In 2022, she moved to Bulgari as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), leading the brand’s recent transformation and premiumization strategy, and was promoted to Deputy CEO in July 2024.
Prior to joining LVMH, Burdese built her early career in the beauty industry (having worked for Beiersdorf and L’Oréal) before joining the Swatch Group in 1999. She served as President and CEO of Calvin Klein Watches & Jewelry, bringing extensive experience in hard luxury management.
Jean-Christophe Babin will step down as CEO of Bulgari after more than 25 years with the LVMH Group. He previously led TAG Heuer and then Bulgari. Under his leadership, Bulgari underwent profound transformation, re-establishing its unique position as a “top Roman high jeweler.”
Babin’s achievements extend beyond jewelry. He successfully drove breakthroughs in Bulgari’s high watchmaking technology and significantly expanded the luxury hotel portfolio with openings in major global cities. Furthermore, his commitment to Italian craftsmanship is reflected in the expansion of the Valenza factory and the founding of the Scuola Bulgari.
After stepping down as CEO, Babin will continue to contribute by taking on a series of key roles: he will become Chairman of the Bulgari Board, CEO of the Bulgari Hotels division, and President of the Bulgari Foundation, continuing to report to Bianchi.
