Francesca Leoni is Fendi’s new global chief communications officer, succeeding Cristiana Monfardini. Contacted by FashionNetwork.com, the LVMH-owned maison confirmed the appointment of the luxury-industry veteran, who joins from Michael Kors.
Francesca Leoni
With more than 25 years’ experience in the sector, Leoni joins Fendi after spending seven years in New York as chief brand officer at Michael Kors, the flagship brand of Capri Holdings. Prior to that, between 2010 and 2018, she worked at Valentino in Rome as global communications and image director.
In the previous decade, Leoni led Bulgari’s global public relations for five years and oversaw PR and events at Hermès for a further five years. Her first experience in fashion dates back to 1993 at Malo in the US, where she headed PR for more than seven years.
A New York University graduate with a degree in Art, Leoni replaces Fendi’s long-standing head of communications, Cristiana Monfardini, who left the Roman fashion house after 20 years.
Leoni’s appointment forms part of a profound transformation at the LVMH brand, which began in July with the arrival of new CEO Ramon Ros and continued with the appointment of former Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri as creative director, replacing Silvia Venturini Fendi, who was named the maison’s honorary president.
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