Bulgari appoints Laura Burdese as new CEO

Bulgari has named Laura Burdese, a 10-year veteran of LVMH, to be the famed jewellery brand’s CEO, though her appointment is only effective from July 1, 2026. Burdese succeeds Jean-Christophe Babin and will report to Stéphane Bianchi. 

 
“I am very proud of this smooth transition from one great leader to another. For the past three years, Laura and Jean- Christophe have worked side by side to sustain and orchestrate the brand elevation of the iconic Roman jewellery Maison. The nomination of Laura, while opening a new chapter for Bulgari, is a tribute to her strong contribution and accomplishments,” said Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH group managing director and CEO of LVMH watches and jewellery, in a release. 
 
Burdese began her career in the LVMH Group as CEO for Acqua di Parma, before joining Bulgari in 2022 as chief marketing officer. After leading the brand transformation and elevation over recent years, she was promoted to deputy CEO in July 2024. 

“Jean-Christophe has shaped the success of TAG Heuer and Bulgari while creating unique paths within their respective industries. I am confident that in his new missions, he will bring the same energy and keep on supporting LVMH and its maisons thanks to his extraordinary vision,” Bianchi added in a release.
 
Babin will step down as CEO of Bulgari after more than 25 years in the giant luxury group, first at TAG Heuer and then at Bulgari. Under his leadership, the maison underwent a profound transformation, reclaiming its unique position as the quintessential Roman high jeweller. He also spearheaded Bulgari’s advancements in watchmaking and expanded Bulgari into the luxury hospitality industry with new hotels in major global cities. 
 
Babin also demonstrated a strong commitment to Italian craftsmanship, evidenced by the inauguration of a new factory extension in Valenza and the launch of the Scuola Bulgari. Babin will continue to serve as chairman of the Bulgari Board, CEO of the Bulgari Hotel Business Unit, and president of the Bulgari Foundation. He will also report to Bianchi.
 
Burdese started her career in the beauty industry, holding brand management positions at Beiersdorf and L’Oréal. In 1999, she joined the Swatch Group as marketing director Italy, before doing management stints at Klein Watch and Jewelry and Swatch Group’s Italian subsidiary. In addition to this role in 2012, she was named president and CEO of Calvin Klein Watch & Jewelry Co. Ltd. 
 
In October 2016, she joined LVMH as president and CEO of Acqua di Parma. In 2022, Burdese was appointed vice president of marketing and communications at Bulgari, before being appointed deputy CEO in 2024. She holds a degree in International Economics from the University of Trieste and a Master’s degree in Marketing and Communication.