Benedetta Petruzzo leaves Miu Miu to join Dior
A new episode in Franco-Italian luxury collaboration
September 3rd, 2024
Benedetta Petruzzo, the brilliant CEO of Miu Miu, joins Dior as of October 15th, marking a crucial step in LVMH's recruitment strategy. Under the leadership of Delphine Arnault, Petruzzo is set to write a new chapter in the history of the French house. Beyond a mere career transition, this appointment highlights the growing interconnection between France and Italy, two titans of fashion, and the constant attraction of international talent to LVMH, the French luxury giant. She embodies a new phase of the fruitful collaboration between France and Italy, two countries that have dominated the luxury sector for decades. While the rivalry between the two nations has long fueled the collective imagination—with houses like Dior and Chanel on one side, and Gucci and Prada on the other—the reality is far more nuanced. Exchanges between the two countries, both creatively and economically, have shaped the face of modern luxury.
Strategic International Recruitment at LVMH
LVMH, the undisputed leader in the luxury sector, has built a reputation not only on the quality of its products but also on its ability to attract and promote the world's best talent. While the group often favors internal promotions—70% of key positions are filled internally, with a particular focus on gender parity—it does not hesitate to poach international figures to ensure its supremacy. The arrival of Benedetta Petruzzo fits within this logic. An economics graduate, she began in finance before moving into consulting at Bain & Company, then into the luxury industry, where she climbed the ranks at Kering and Prada. In 2020, she was appointed head of Miu Miu, one of the flagship brands of the Prada group, just weeks before the pandemic paralyzed the world. Despite this difficult context, she managed to turn things around and orchestrate impressive growth: in the first half of 2024, Miu Miu's sales soared by 93%, even eclipsing the growth of parent company Prada. This performance did not go unnoticed by Delphine Arnault, who sees Petruzzo as the ideal leader to continue writing Dior's history. "I am convinced that Benedetta's talent and leadership will be major assets in the continued development of Dior's business and its international influence," said Arnault. With Petruzzo by her side, Dior is determined to remain at the top of the luxury industry.
A Winning Method
LVMH does not simply recruit international talent to fill its ranks: the group sees these appointments as an opportunity to enrich its corporate culture and bring new perspectives to its brands. With a portfolio that includes dozens of iconic brands, from Louis Vuitton to Fendi and Moët & Chandon, LVMH knows that agile talent management is essential to staying competitive. The appointment of Benedetta Petruzzo at Dior testifies to the group's ability to identify and promote leaders who, thanks to their diverse experiences, can bring a renewed vision. By choosing Petruzzo, Delphine Arnault is not only betting on the future of Dior, she is also continuing to assert the international dimension of the house, essential for conquering new markets. By recruiting talent from other luxury cultures, LVMH fosters a constant dialogue between different fashion traditions, resulting in ever-renewed creativity. This ability to blend influences while maintaining a strong brand identity is one of LVMH's keys to success. As the luxury market continues to evolve, this collaboration promises to further strengthen Dior's influence on the international stage. And with Benedetta Petruzzo at the helm, the house seems more ready than ever to face the challenges of tomorrow, continuing to shine at the pinnacle of global luxury.