PRADA: Who will take control of the next generation?

Art

It has become known that Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli are stepping down as CEOs of Prada. The board of directors of the Italian fashion house recommends that former LVMH top manager Andrea Guerra replace their position.

Miuccia will leave the CEO throne of Prada, but will still remain as creative director of the Miu Miu and Prada brands with Raf Simons. Their plans also include appointing a new CEO for Prada’s flagship label to take the place of Gianfranco d’Attis, CEO of LVMH’s Christian Dior Couture division in America. But Prada has not officially confirmed the news.

Guerra was formerly CEO of Luxottica lenses and sunglasses and also ran LVMH’s hotel business. It is known that his new Prada appointment will be announced at the January 2023 board meeting.

Miuccia Prada on the cover of Vogue Germany 2019 Source: VOGUE

Prada has always been a family affair and handed down through inheritance. Miuccia and Bertelli have given the fashion house so many opportunities, they have literally taken it out into the world, made it famous. 

Incidentally, Bertelli remains on the board of directors, he must hand over control of the brand to the next generation of the family. Lorenzo Bertelli, their son, joined Prada at the end of 2017 and led the management of digital communications, marketing and sustainability for the brand group. In November 2021, Bertelli hinted that Lorenzo is likely to lead the company for several years.

Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli Source: ELLE

I never thought it would actually happen, but I am incredibly happy it did. We have always been interested in each other’s work, and a long time ago it was Miuccia and Mr Bertelli who offered me the position at Jil Sander, for which I am still very grateful, because it was my first experience with women’s clothing. And we always stayed in touch, so… Anyway, when asked “How long have you wanted to work together?” I would say, “Since I’ve known Miuccia“, –  Raf Simons on working with Miuccia and Bertelli.