Versace chief executive Emmanuel Gintzburger has stepped down after nearly four years at the helm, marking the first major executive change since the brand’s acquisition by Prada Group. His departure was confirmed Wednesday, with no successor yet named. Gintzburger joined the Italian fashion house in September 2022 from Alexander McQueen, where he had served as CEO following a tenure at Saint Laurent.
Gintzburger’s tenure at Versace spanned a period of significant transition for the brand and its ownership. He oversaw the final years of Capri Holdings’ ownership and navigated the sale to Prada Group, a deal that closed earlier this year for approximately 1.5 billion. His departure signals that Prada Group is moving quickly to install its own leadership structure across the newly acquired house.
The CEO exit comes as Prada Group continues to integrate Versace into its operations, a process that has included back-office consolidation and the alignment of supply chains. Industry observers expect the group to appoint a successor with deep experience in the European luxury market, likely someone versed in both creative-house stewardship and margin discipline.
During Gintzburger’s leadership, Versace expanded its accessories category and strengthened its presence in Asia, though the brand faced headwinds from a softening luxury demand in China and the broader slowdown affecting the sector. Donatella Versace remains chief creative officer, and the brand’s design direction is expected to continue unchanged for the immediate future.
The search for a new CEO is reportedly underway with both internal and external candidates being considered. The appointment will be closely watched as a signal of how Prada Group intends to position Versace—whether as a distinct house with autonomous operations or as a more integrated component of the group’s multi-brand strategy.
