Before joining the team, Gavazza was serving as the executive vice president of sales and retail at Bulgari, a jeweler under the LVMH Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy banner. He brings a rich experience of over two decades in the luxury and luxury distribution sectors to his new role. Prior to his role at Bulgari, Gavazza held critical regional leadership positions such as the managing director for Greater China, and the managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In his remarks on the new appointment, Gildo Zegna expressed, “Lelio brings a remarkable global leadership track record and extensive luxury expertise to Tom Ford Fashion, encompassing retail management, wholesale distribution, marketing, digital, and crucial markets like China.”
“I have personally known and appreciated Lelio for many years, and I’m confident that his world-class business acumen, deep international experience, and leadership skills will prove invaluable in the development of the Tom Ford Fashion business globally.”
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. acquired the Tom Ford brand in November 2022 in a deal valued at 2.8 billion US dollars as part of its strategic plans to strengthen its growth for Tom Ford Beauty and Tom Ford Parfums, which it has owned since 2006.
Following the acquisition, Estée Lauder Companies Inc. signed a long-term licensing deal for Tom Ford’s men’s and women’s ready-to-wear to Ermenegildo Zegna Group, as well as accessories and underwear. The group also appointed Guillaume Jesel as president and chief executive of Tom Ford and Peter Hawkings as the new creative director following Tom Ford stepping away from his brand to concentrate on film projects.
Gavazza will work closely with Jesel to ensure “the alignment of fashion with the luxury strategy for the brand,” added the Zegna Group.
Jesel said: “I am delighted to welcome Lelio Gavazza as CEO, of Tom Ford Fashion. The Estée Lauder Companies and Tom Ford have had an exceptional and longstanding relationship with Gildo Zegna and the Zegna Group. We look forward to working closely with Gildo, Lelio, and their teams to take Tom Ford Fashion to its next level in global luxury.”
While Gavazza added that he was looking forward to continuing “to foster the growth of Tom Ford at the pinnacle of luxury fashion”.
As part of Tom Ford Fashion’s new chapter, the brand will showcase its spring/summer 2024 women’s collection during Milan Fashion Week in September. This will mark the debut womenswear collection for Hawkings who has been working alongside Tom Ford for 25 years.