Dolce & Gabbana Appoints Former Gucci Chief Stefano Cantino as Co-CEO Amid Restructuring

Dolce & Gabbana appointed Stefano Cantino as co-CEO on Monday, April 13, 2026, naming the former Gucci chief executive to work alongside Alfonso Dolce, who serves as both chair and chief executive officer of the group. The announcement, made via an official company statement, confirmed weeks of speculation that had circulated following the disclosure of co-founder Stefano Gabbana's resignation from the chairmanship. Cantino, 58, becomes the first external CEO in the fashion house's history, a milestone that underscores the scale of the governance transformation now underway at one of Italy's most recognized luxury brands. Alfonso Dolce assumed the additional role of chair earlier this year after Gabbana stepped down from the position, a decision that took effect retroactively from January 1, 2026, though the news was made public only in April. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, who co-founded the house in 1985, retain their roles as co-creative directors and each hold a 40 (percent) — stake held by each co-founder in the company stake in the company.

„I am happy to have Stefano Cantino by my side in this new phase of growth and development for Dolce&Gabbana.” — Alfonso Dolce via ANSA

„For me, it is an honor to become part of Dolce&Gabbana, which extraordinarily represents Italian excellence in the world.” — Stefano Cantino via ANSA

Dolce & Gabbana was founded in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and has remained under the direct control of its founders throughout its four-decade history. The fashion house built its global reputation through a combination of Italian craftsmanship and provocative marketing, though it has also faced controversies over the years. The appointment of Cantino marks the first time an external executive has been brought in at the CEO level, representing the largest managerial transition in the company's history, according to reporting by Il Fatto Quotidiano.

Cantino brings Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton experience Cantino holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Turin and built his career across several of the world's leading luxury groups. He served as CEO of Gucci for nine months, from January to September 2025, before departing when Francesca Bellettini took over the role as part of a brand relaunch initiated by Luca de Meo, CEO of the Kering group. Prior to Gucci, Cantino held senior positions at Prada and Louis Vuitton, accumulating experience across commercial strategy, marketing, communication management, and corporate affairs. According to the company statement, his appointment is intended to drive the evolution of Dolce & Gabbana's organizational model from a pure fashion brand into a broader lifestyle company. The group has pointed specifically to recent expansions into the home and beauty sectors as evidence of this strategic direction. Il Sole 24 ORE reported that Cantino is 58 years old, making him a seasoned executive at a pivotal moment for the house.

450 million euros in debt clouds the transition The leadership reshuffle is taking place against a backdrop of significant financial pressure at Dolce & Gabbana. The company is preparing to negotiate the restructuring of approximately 450 (million euros) — debt to be restructured with banks of debt with its banking partners, according to multiple reports. Il Sole 24 ORE also reported that the group is seeking an additional 150 million euros in new credit lines to support investments and address broader difficulties facing the fashion and luxury sector. Stefano Gabbana is currently evaluating the future of his 40% stake in the company, a process that adds further uncertainty to the governance picture. Bloomberg, which first reported Gabbana's resignation, also noted the possible sale of real estate assets and the renewal of licenses as measures to increase liquidity. The wider luxury industry has faced headwinds linked to geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which Il Sole 24 ORE cited as a contributing factor to the sector's difficulties.

Debt to be restructured: 450, Additional credit sought: 150

Gabbana exits governance but keeps creative role and shares Stefano Gabbana's departure from administrative positions — covering Dolce & Gabbana Holding Srl, Dolce & Gabbana Trademarks Srl, and Dolce & Gabbana Srl — was made retroactively effective from January 1, 2026, according to Il Fatto Quotidiano. The group was explicit in stating that his step back from governance "has no influence on creative activities," and confirmed that the stylistic partnership between Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana of over four decades will continue. Alfonso Dolce, brother of co-founder Domenico Dolce, stepped into the chairmanship to ensure continuity within the founding family's orbit. The appointment of Cantino as the first external co-CEO signals that the company recognizes it needs outside management expertise to navigate the Lifestyle Company transition and the debt renegotiation simultaneously. Fanpage noted that Gabbana's exit is reportedly linked to the company's period of economic difficulty, compounded by a general crisis in the luxury sector. With Cantino now formally in place, Dolce & Gabbana enters what Alfonso Dolce described as a new phase of growth and development, though the financial and governance challenges ahead remain substantial.