In the world of high jewelry, where heritage and legacy are often treated as sacred, a leadership transition is rarely just a business move. Rather, it is a carefully choreographed passing of the torch. The recent announcement that Laura Burdese will step into the role of CEO at Bulgari in July 2026 is a testament to this philosophy. It represents a transition that is as much about human connection and shared vision as it is about corporate strategy.
Burdese is set to succeed the brand’s incumbent chief executive, Jean-Christophe Babin, in July 2026. This transition is expected to bring major transformations to the company’s approach to the global market. At the same time, Bulgari is expected to gradually embody the collaborative effort that both Burdese and Babin have endeavored to achieve in the past three years.
LVMH campaigns for Laura Burdese as CEO of Bulgari
According to a Vogue article dated December 18, Laura Burdese is set to become the new CEO of Bulgari next year in July, replacing Jean-Christophe Babin. For nearly a decade, Burdese has been a quiet yet formidable force within the LVMH ecosystem.
Her journey began at Acqua di Parma, where she proved her ability to balance the weight of history with the demands of a modern, global market. When she joined Bulgari in 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, she brought an understanding of the “Roman soul” that makes the brand unique. Her subsequent promotion to Deputy CEO in 2024 served as a clear signal of the trust the fashion house placed in her leadership.
What makes this particular shift feel so natural is the spirit of collaboration behind it. Rather than a sudden departure, this is a three-year partnership coming to fruition. Burdese has worked side-by-side with the outgoing CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, who has led the maison with distinction for over twelve years. Under Babin’s tenure, Bulgari evolved from a traditional jeweler into a multifaceted luxury icon, expanding into world-class watchmaking and the prestigious hospitality sector.
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Laura Burdese expected to fuse creativity and strategy
Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH’s Group Managing Director, described the handover as “natural and progressive.” It is a rare thing in the corporate world to see a transition handled with such visible mutual respect. By staying on as Chairman and continuing to lead the Bulgari Hotels and Foundation, Babin ensures that his wisdom remains accessible while Burdese begins to sketch the brand’s next chapter.
As per the WWD article dated December 18, Burdese’s background is a rich tapestry of experience, spanning from her early days at L’Oréal and the Swatch Group to her deep dive into the nuances of Italian craftsmanship.
She takes the helm at a time when the luxury market is navigating complex global shifts, particularly in China. Yet, her focus is rooted in maintaining the “desirability” of the brand while fostering sustainable, long-term growth.
Ultimately, this move is about more than just filling a seat at the head of a table. It is about ensuring that the artisans in Valenza, the designers in Rome, and the clients across the globe feel a sense of continuity. In an industry built on the beauty of permanent things, Bulgari has chosen a path of stability and grace, embodying that even at the highest levels of business, the most successful transitions are those rooted in human partnership.
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