Tommaso Bruso named new COO at Benetton as CEO quits

In a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Benetton Group, the appointment of Tommaso Bruso as Chief Operating Officer (COO) was announced yesterday. The board also granted the Chairman, Francesco Gori, power over core staff matters. During the meeting, the board accepted resignation of Chief Executive Officer Marco Airoldi.

The company added that at the shareholders' meeting, to be held on May 16, 2017, James McArthur’s appointment as non-executive director onto the board, will be approved.

The company’s Board of Directors thanked Marco Airoldi, who since 2013 - first as a consultant then as CEO and Managing Director - contributed to the definition and subsequent launch of the company refocus and relaunch plan which targets a selection of markets, stores and the Benetton Group brands.

Benetton added that Bruso will bring to Benetton Group's operations his experience in the international fashion industry, combined with a strong knowledge of Italian entrepreneurship. Having started his career at Benetton Group, first in Italy and then in the US, the new COO went on to hold the position of CEO for North America at Fedon, Furla and Diesel, the position he currently holds.

Photo: Marco Airoldi, Benetton website