Laura Burdese promoted to deputy CEO

Laura Burdese continues to climb the LVMH ladder, notably at Bulgari. Having joined the jeweller in January 2022 as Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Italian manager has been promoted to Deputy Managing Director with effect from September 1 2024, where she will support CEO Jean-Christophe Babin. A newly created position.
 

In her new role, she will “oversee the jewellery, watches, fragrances and leather goods business units while remaining in charge of marketing and communications,” Bulgari said in a statement, adding that since her arrival Laura Burdese “has successfully conceived and orchestrated the company’s One Brand Elevation strategy, increasing desirability through a renewed 360° brand experience, and strengthening the consistency of messaging, communications and events initiatives.”

“Laura has played a key role in elevating the brand over the last two years, while demonstrating strong business and product acumen, combined with great creativity. I am confident that she will continue to build on these strengths in her new role, carrying forward our ambition to become the most desirable luxury experience,” commented Jean-Christophe Babin in the press release.
 
The Turin-born fifty-year-old has over twenty years’ experience in the beauty, watch and jewellery and luxury sectors. With a degree in international economics and a master’s in marketing from the University of Trieste, Laura Burdese began her career in the beauty industry as head of various brands at Beiersdorf and L’Oréal.

In 1999, she joined the Swatch Group, where she held positions of increasing responsibility for eighteen years. Initially marketing director for Italy, she was appointed brand manager for Calvin Klein Watches and Jewellery in 2001, and country Mmanager for the Italian subsidiary of the Swatch Group in 2006. In 2012, in addition to this role, she became CEO of Calvin Klein Watches & Jewelry Co. Ltd, the joint venture between the Swiss watchmaking group and the American fashion brand.
 
In October 2016, Laura Burdese joined LVMH as CEO of Italian perfumer Acqua di Parma. She supports the growth of the brand, which sees its visibility increase. In 2020, she tackled the Covid crisis by radically reorganising the company’s processes. Then, in 2022, she moved to Bulgari, leaving the reins of Acqua di Parma to Giulio Bergamaschi.
 
This appointment comes at a time when LVMH has just reshuffled its watch division, headed since January by Frédéric Arnault, by placing Antoine Pin at the head of TAG Heuer and Julien Tornare at the helm of Hublot, succeeding CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, who has been appointed honorary president of the brand.