Tod's
Tod's Group (Della Valle family and L Catterton) · Italy
Tod's is an Italian luxury footwear and leather goods brand that grew from the Della Valle family's shoemaking business in the Marche. Taken private in 2024 in a deal with L Catterton, the group also owns Hogan, Fay and Roger Vivier and is chaired by Diego Della Valle.
| Founded | 1920s, Marche |
|---|---|
| Founder | Filippo Della Valle |
| Owner | Della Valle family and L Catterton (private since 2024) |
| Headquarters | Sant'Elpidio a Mare, Italy |
| Chairman | Diego Della Valle |
| Signature product | Gommino driving loafer (1979) |
| Website | tods.com |
What is Tod's?
Tod's is the main brand of Tod's Group, an Italian luxury company headquartered in Sant'Elpidio a Mare in the Marche region. It makes shoes, bags, leather accessories and ready-to-wear, and its group portfolio includes Hogan, Fay and the Paris shoemaker Roger Vivier.
History
Filippo Della Valle started a shoemaking business from the family home in the 1920s. Under his grandson Diego Della Valle, who joined in 1975, the company built a branded luxury business. The Gommino driving loafer, with rubber pebbles on the sole, was launched in 1979 and became the brand's signature, followed by handbags in the 1980s. The group launched Fay in 1986 and Hogan in 1988 and took a majority of Roger Vivier.
Products and positioning
Tod's positions itself on understated Italian craftsmanship and leather quality rather than fashion-led logos. Matteo Tamburini, previously head designer of ready-to-wear at Bottega Veneta, was appointed creative director in late 2023, succeeding Walter Chiapponi.
- Gommino driving shoes
- Loafers and women's footwear
- Leather handbags
- Ready-to-wear for women and men
Business model and distribution
The group sells through directly operated stores, wholesale partners, department stores and e-commerce. In 2024 the Della Valle family agreed a deal with L Catterton, the investment firm backed by LVMH, to take the company private: L Catterton acquired about 36 per cent, the family kept a majority, and an LVMH investment arm retained about 10 per cent. Group revenue was about €1.1 billion in 2023. John Galantic, chief executive from 2024, stepped down in May 2026.
Why it matters
Tod's is a leading example of Italian luxury rooted in a regional manufacturing district, the shoemaking cluster of the Marche. Its move from the stock exchange into a partnership with a private equity investor reflects a wider trend among mid-sized family luxury groups seeking capital and flexibility away from public markets.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Tod's?
Tod's is controlled by the Della Valle family, which took the company private in 2024 together with L Catterton, the LVMH-backed investment firm. An LVMH investment arm also holds a minority stake.
What is Tod's known for?
Tod's is best known for the Gommino driving loafer, introduced in 1979, with its sole of rubber pebbles. The brand also makes leather bags, accessories and ready-to-wear.