Gildo Zegna
Executive chairman of Ermenegildo Zegna Group since January 2026
Ermenegildo "Gildo" Zegna is the executive chairman of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, the Italian luxury group that owns Zegna, Thom Browne and Tom Ford Fashion. After many years as chairman and chief executive, he handed the chief executive role to Gianluca Tagliabue on 1 January 2026.
| Role | Executive chairman, Ermenegildo Zegna Group |
|---|---|
| Since | 1 January 2026 |
| Previous role | Chairman and chief executive |
| Group brands | Zegna, Thom Browne, Tom Ford Fashion |
| Successor as CEO | Gianluca Tagliabue |
Who is Gildo Zegna?
Ermenegildo Zegna, known as Gildo, is an Italian executive and a member of the third generation of the family behind the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, the Italian luxury menswear company. He led the group for many years as chairman and chief executive and has been its executive chairman since January 2026.
Leading the Zegna group
As chief executive, Gildo Zegna turned a family textile and tailoring business into a multi brand luxury group. Its portfolio today comprises Zegna, Thom Browne and Tom Ford Fashion, alongside a textile division that supplies fabrics to the industry.
In November 2025 the group announced a new leadership structure effective 1 January 2026. Gianluca Tagliabue, previously chief financial officer and chief operating officer, became group chief executive, while fourth generation family members Edoardo Zegna and Angelo Zegna became co chief executives of the Zegna brand. Gildo Zegna moved to the role of executive chairman, focusing on protecting the heritage of the group's brands, overseeing the textile division and managing external relations.
Explaining the change, he said: "One of a leader's most important responsibilities is to think ahead: to prepare for the future and empower the next generation of executives."
Gildo Zegna and technology
In an interview with the Italian trade publication La Conceria at the time of the handover, Gildo Zegna named three priorities for the group: relaunching Tom Ford Fashion, relaunching Thom Browne and integrating artificial intelligence. He argued that AI should spread across every part of the company rather than remain confined to senior management. He also said: "I am passing the baton with a solid company at a positive moment."
- Relaunch of Tom Ford Fashion
- Relaunch of Thom Browne
- Integration of AI throughout the organisation
Why it matters
Gildo Zegna's tenure illustrates how an Italian family company can build a listed, multi brand luxury group while keeping family leadership at its core. His succession plan, which separates group management from brand leadership and brings in a new family generation, is a notable example of governance change in Italian luxury, and his explicit focus on AI signals how traditional manufacturers are approaching new technology.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Gildo Zegna?
Gildo Zegna is the executive chairman of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group and a member of the family that founded it. He led the group as chairman and chief executive until the end of 2025.
What did Gildo Zegna say about AI?
When handing over the chief executive role, he named the integration of artificial intelligence as one of the group's three main challenges. He said AI should permeate the whole company rather than stay at leadership level.