What a CEO Reshuffle Means for Dolce & Gabbana

Former Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino has been appointed as co-CEO of Dolce & Gabbana, a role in which he will work with current CEO and Chairman Alfonso Dolce.

Stefano previously oversaw operations for Louis Vuitton and Prada before joining Gucci in May 2024 as deputy CEO, transitioning to the role of CEO in 2015. He stepped down as CEO of Gucci in September following a financial and leadership restructuring at Kering in early 2025.

Discussing the appointment, Alfonso says: “I am pleased to have Stefano Cantino by my side in this new phase of growth and development of Dolce & Gabbana.”

A company statement said the appointment of Stefano  “follows Dolce & Gabbana's growth path, oriented towards ​the evolution of its organisational ​model from a Fashion Brand to a ‌Lifestyle ⁠Company”.

His appointment comes after the recent departure of Dolce & Gabbana founder Stefano Gabbana as Chairman in January 2026. He will maintain his “creative activities” according to the company.

Company financing negotiations

Reports across the fashion industry have speculated that Stefano Cantino would join during a company-wide transformation, instigated following Stefano Gabbana’s official resignation as Chairman, which according to a company statement, came as part of a “natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance”.

“These resignations have no impact whatsoever on the creative activities carried out by Stefano Gabbana on behalf of the group,” the company added.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Stefano Gabbana was considering alternative options for his holding of about 40% in the firm ahead of the company’s debt negotiations.

Dolce & Gabbana’s lenders are seeking a cash injection of up to €150m (US$175m) at the company, as part of a broader €450m (US$526m) debt refinancing.

Bloomberg added that the Rothschild-advised company is exploring new ways to raise funds, including the sale of its real estate options.

Dolce & Gabbana declined to comment on the matter, saying in a statement that “negotiations with banks are still ongoing”.

Industry-wide setbacks

The company’s leadership restructuring comes at a notable time for the brand, following a recent prolonged decline in demand for luxury goods, most recently caused by instability around shipping due to conflict in the Middle East.

Setbacks like these have affected earnings and have made it more difficult for companies to meet terms governing company debt. To improve finances, luxury brands like Puig and Estée Lauder have opened up to the possibility of mergers and fresh capital from investors.

Dolce & Gabbana however, has taken steps to preserve its independence by expanding into beauty, real estate and hospitality. As part of a deal reached with banks last year, the company refinanced its debt to February 2030 and raised €150 million (US$175m) in new borrowing to fund its expansion. 

Discussing his optimism amid the company’s financial and leadership restructuring, Stefano Cantino adds: “It is an honor for me to join Dolce & Gabbana, a brand that represents Italian excellence around the world in such an extraordinary way.”