Global luxury fashion retailer Etro names CEO

The new, private equity owners of the storied fashion brand Etro have appointed a new chief executive.

Etro named Fabrizio Cardinali as CEO, effective fourth quarter 2021. He joins Etro from Dolce & Gabbana, where he held several roles with the company, and most recently served as COO and executive member of the board since June 2017.

Cardinali’s nearly 13-year tenure at Dolce & Gabbana was interspersed with five years within Richemont, where he held the role of CEO of several luxury fashion brands of the group, including Dunhill and Lancel.

Etro said that Cardinali will work closely with L Catterton, which acquired a majority stake in the company in July 2021 with the goal to grow the brand’s customer base, expand into new categories, enhance its digital presence and drive global expansion, as well as the Etro family, including founder and chairman Gerolamo Etro. 

"I am thrilled by the opportunity to join Etro during such an exciting time for this iconic fashion house," said Cardinali. "I have long admired the company's heritage and its distinctive Italian style and craftsmanship, and I look forward to working closely with L Catterton, the Etro family, and the entire leadership team to capitalize on a number of exciting opportunities to grow the customer base and expand our category offerings and international footprint."

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Milan, Etro operates approximately 140 flagship stores around the globe, with a strong presence in Milan, London, Paris, New York, Beijing, and Tokyo. Etro's distribution network also includes approximately 20 travel retail doors and wholesale operations in leading department stores and boutiques.