Paris-based Christian Dior Couture has named Benedetta Petruzzo, the CEO of Miu Miu, as its new managing director, in a surprise move.

Petruzzo will report to Delphine Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Christian Dior Couture and eldest child of Bernard Arnault, the French multi-billionaire who controls the giant luxury conglomerate LVMH, of which Dior is a key brand.
 
“I am convinced that Benedetta’s talent and leadership will be major assets in the continued development of Dior’s activities and its international influence. Her expertise in the luxury market will persist in enhancing the desirability and success of Dior. Together, with the excellence of the teams in place, we will carry on building the future and strengthening our organization,” said Delphine Arnault in a release.

Added Petruzzo: “I am deeply honored to join Dior. I am proud to have been entrusted with this great responsibility and to join such an iconic house. I would like to warmly thank Delphine Arnault for the trust she has given me, and I look forward to collaborating closely with the executive committee and the zones presidents to further contribute to the development of Dior’s business.” 
 
Petruzzo will take up her role on October 15, 2024, or three weeks after the next Dior runway show, scheduled for Tuesday, September 24. The new hire will thus be working closely with her fellow Italian, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s Rome-born couturier.
 
The appointment will be seen as something of a shock, as Petruzzo will be succeeding Charles Delapalme, who joined Dior in 2018.
 
“Following a transition period, Charles Delapalme, currently managing director, will take on important new responsibilities within the LVMH Group, which will be announced at a later date,” according to the release.
 
“Delphine Arnault would like to extend her warmest thanks to Charles Delapalme for his unfailing commitment and great contribution to Dior’s desirability since 2018,” Dior added.
 
Petruzzo joined the Prada Group in 2020 where she was chief executive officer at Miu Miu. Previously, she was executive vice president for North America at Kering Eyewear, where she worked for five years holding key management positions. She started her career in finance before joining the management consulting firm Bain & Company, where she worked for several years in the retail and luxury sector.
 
Petruzzo also has a degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Management at Bocconi University, Italy’s most prestigious school.