Translated by
Roberta HERRERA

Published
April 6, 2025

Chief operating officer Costanzo Ruocco has been appointed to lead the Italian luxury footwear brand Gianvito Rossi, which was founded by Rossi in 2006 in San Mauro Pascoli, Emilia-Romagna, and is now majority-owned by Richemont since 2024. Ruocco succeeds Gianvito Rossi, who will now assume the role of chairman while continuing to lead the brand’s creative direction. 

“This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Gianvito Rossi, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and continued growth in the luxury footwear sector,” the brand stated in an official release.  

Ruocco officially stepped into the CEO role at the beginning of April and will report directly to Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Richemont’s Fashion & Accessories Maisons division. The company emphasised Ruocco’s strategic impact since joining the house in 2019, noting his key role in shaping operations and business development.  

A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the Italian executive brings over 20 years of experience in the luxury industry, having held senior positions at some of fashion’s most prestigious maisons. His career began at Gianfranco Ferré and Ralph Lauren, before he joined Roger Vivier in Paris in 2014, where he rose to COO by 2018. In November 2019, he transitioned to Gianvito Rossi.  

“His passion and dedication to the brand make him the ideal leader to guide it toward new achievements,” said Gianvito Rossi. Philippe Fortunato praised Ruocco’s deep expertise, his strong understanding of the house, and the relationships he has built with Gianvito and the teams, which, he added, “will help further elevate Gianvito Rossi’s positioning as the world’s leading luxury women’s footwear brand.”