Diesel appoints new CEO as brand enters next phase of transformation
Diesel has appointed Andrea Rigogliosi as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership reset for the Italian brand nearly three years after the departure of its last permanent CEO.
Rigogliosi will report to Ubaldo Minelli, CEO of parent company OTB Group, according to WWD. He joins at a pivotal moment for Diesel as it looks to stabilise management and build on renewed cultural momentum under Creative Director Glenn Martens.
Renzo Rosso, founder of Diesel and Chairman of OTB, said: "Glenn Martens’ creative direction has transformed it, rediscovering its most authentic DNA and making the brand fresher, more contemporary, and increasingly loved by younger generations." He added that Diesel now represents "the only alternative to the luxury world".
Rigogliosi arrives with years of luxury and retail experience under his belt. Most recently, he served as global Head of Retail and Commercial at Miu Miu. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles within LVMH, including president of Europe at Fendi, and general manager positions at Christian Dior Couture.
His appointment follows a prolonged period of leadership instability at Diesel. The brand has been overseen on an interim basis by Minelli and Rosso, after Eraldo Poletto exited the CEO role in February 2023 following just seven months in the position. A succession of short tenures over the past decade has made operational continuity a challenge, despite creative clarity under Martens.
Since joining Diesel in 2020, Martens has played a central role in repositioning the brand, pushing it closer to the luxury conversation while maintaining its provocative, democratic edge. While OTB does not disclose sales by brand, Diesel revenues rose 3.2% at constant exchange rates in 2024.
OTB Group’s overall turnover fell 5.2% to €1.8 billion (£1.56 billion) in 2024, though Diesel, Maison Margiela and its direct-to-consumer business all recorded growth. The group also owns Marni, Jil Sander, Viktor & Rolf, Staff International and Brave Kid, and holds a stake in Amiri.
