Jil Sander has appointed Marco Viganò as its new CEO, effective Tuesday, September 15, with the luxury house turning to an experienced industry executive to lead its next phase of growth. Marco Viganò will report directly to OTB Group CEO Ubaldo Minelli, who has overseen Jil Sander on an interim basis during the transition.
The appointment gives Jil Sander a permanent chief executive after the departure of Serge Brunschwig in July 2025. Viganò joins the brand with a career spanning some of the biggest names in global luxury, including Moncler, Saint Laurent, Audemars Piguet, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and L’Oréal.
Marco Viganò Takes Over As Jil Sander CEO
Brunschwig left Jil Sander on July 31, 2025, after approximately six months as chief executive, citing personal reasons. Minelli subsequently managed the house while OTB Group searched for a permanent successor.
“Jil Sander is a brand with a strong creative heritage and a distinctive identity that make it unique in the global luxury landscape,” Minelli said in a statement. “Marco’s experience and knowledge of international markets will contribute to the brand’s growth journey, supporting its development and further strengthening its positioning.”
The appointment places Marco Viganò in charge of a brand that remains an important part of OTB Group’s luxury portfolio. The CEO will be tasked with supporting the house’s development while maintaining the distinctive identity that has defined Jil Sander internationally.
Viganò Brings Extensive Luxury Experience
Before joining Jil Sander, Viganò served as global chief client officer and president, EMEA, at Moncler. His responsibilities included client development and customer experience strategies designed to strengthen the relationship between the luxury brand and its international clientele.
His previous positions include chief commercial officer at Audemars Piguet and chief operating officer at Saint Laurent. He has also held roles at Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and L’Oréal, building experience across commercial, operational, and client-focused areas of the luxury industry.
Viganò’s career has taken him across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Russia. He also spent time at McKinsey & Company, adding management consulting experience to his luxury-sector background.
The incoming CEO holds a degree in Economics and Business from the Catholic University of Milan.
Jil Sander Enters New Leadership Era
The arrival of a new CEO comes as Jil Sander continues to develop its creative direction under Simone Bellotti. Bellotti was appointed creative director in March 2025, bringing a new chapter to the house’s design leadership.
His work so far has received positive attention, giving the brand an opportunity to build commercial momentum around its renewed creative direction. Viganò’s experience in international client development could be particularly relevant as the company works to expand its relationship with luxury consumers across key markets.
The leadership pairing also creates a clear division between the creative and business sides of the company, with Bellotti overseeing the brand’s design direction and Viganò taking responsibility for its broader business operations.
OTB Faces A Challenging Luxury Market
Viganò’s appointment comes against a difficult backdrop for OTB Group. The company, which also owns brands including Diesel and Maison Margiela, reported a 5% year-over-year decline in net sales for 2025 to €1.6 billion.
OTB attributed the decline to factors including a significant drop in wholesale sales and a continued slowdown in China and Europe. Wholesale revenue fell 14.7% on a constant-currency basis during the year.
At the same time, OTB continued investing in its direct-to-consumer business. By February 2026, its DTC channels accounted for 60% of the group’s turnover, highlighting the company’s broader shift toward controlling its relationships with customers directly.
That environment puts added importance on the experience Marco Viganò brings to Jil Sander. His background in customer strategy, commercial leadership, and international markets aligns with an industry increasingly focused on building stronger direct relationships with consumers.
What Comes Next For Jil Sander
With Marco Viganò now installed as CEO, Jil Sander begins a new chapter under permanent business leadership. His appointment comes as the house continues to build on Bellotti’s creative direction while OTB navigates a challenging period for the wider luxury market.
For Viganò, the immediate focus will be turning Jil Sander’s creative momentum into sustainable growth while preserving the identity that makes the house distinctive within the global luxury sector.
Featured image: Jil Sander
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