What’s next in the Prada succession saga? Miuccia will remain co-creative director with Raf Simons, with Andrea Guerra confirmed to be CEO before Lorenzo Bertelli eventually takes over

Dec 8 , 2022

The Prada SpA boutique in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center in Milan, Italy, on December 3. Photo: Bloomberg

The Italian fashion brand began charting a line of succession on its business side while confirming that Miuccia Prada will continue in her creative roles alongside Belgian designer Raf Simons

Andrea Guerra is set to become new CEO, succeeding Patrizio Bertelli who will stay on as chairman; meanwhile, Lorenzo Bertelli currently oversees digital marketing and sustainability

The Prada fashion house began charting a line of succession on its business side, announcing Tuesday, December 6 that it is tapping a former LVMH executive as its next CEO and confirming that Miuccia Prada will continue in her creative roles.

Andrea Guerra is set to be confirmed by the board next month as the new CEO, succeeding Patrizio Bertelli, who will stay on as chairman. The move is intended as a step toward ultimately handing the reins of Prada Group to Bertelli and Miuccia’s son, Lorenzo Bertelli. The younger Bertelli now oversees digital marketing and sustainability.

They go way back: Prada Group’s president and CEO Patrizio Bertelli and ex-Luxottica CEO Andrea Guerra smile during a meeting in Milan, in 2005. Photo: AP

The statement emphasised that Miuccia will remain co-creative director of Prada with Raf Simons, creative director of Miu Miu and a board member.

“This is a fundamental step we have decided to undertake, while completely engaged in the company, to contribute more to the evolution of the Prada Group, and to ease the succession of Lorenzo Bertelli, the future leader of the group,” Patrizio and Prada said in a statement.

Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada’s son Lorenzo Bertelli poses for a photograph at Prada’s industrial headquarters’ garden factory in Valvigna, Italy, in November 2021. Photo: Reuters

Guerra, 57, is one of Italy’s highest-profile executives and his long-time experience in a family-run company – serving for a decade as CEO at Luxottica before owner and founder, the late Leonardo del Vecchio, took back day-to-day operations following disagreements – is likely reassuring to Prada Group CEO Patrizio.

Andrea Guerra has long-time experience in a family-run company. Photo: Getty Images

Prada denied that bringing on Simons in 2020 was a move designed to set up the creative succession at the fashion house specialising in luxury handbags, footwear and understated apparel. Still, speculation started anew after the Belgian designer announced last month that he is closing his eponymous fashion brand after 27 years.