Prada Hires New CEO Andrea Guerra

Words Bethany Berkeley

As Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli step down as the group’s co-CEOs, could Prada be readying itself for succession?

The Italian fashion powerhouse that is Prada announced this Tuesday that former Luxottica chief Andrea Guerra is to become CEO. Patrizio Bertelli, who built the brand into global renown alongside Miuccia Prada will remain as the group’s chairman of the board. Miuccia Prada will also remain as Creative Director alongside Raf Simmons.

The move comes as the pair prepare to chart the line of succession for their son Lorenzo Bertelli who currently manages the group’s marketing, digital communications,and sustainability sectors. At an investor day in November 2021, Bertelli hinted at the plan for their son Lorenzo to take the reins saying. "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."

Though many may not have heard of Andrea Guerra, Prada’s decision to name her CEO comes as no surprise. Guerra was the Luxottica CEO from 2004 to 2014, leading the brand through a season of expansion as the group — which owns spectacle brands like Oakley and Ray-ban, alongside producing and distributing eyeglasses under Prada and Miu Miulicences since 2003. The company saw a major increase in sales, which almost doubled under her management. Guerra has also held the position of CEO of LVMH’s hospitality division and executive chairman of Eataly.

Prada has taken significant steps to ease in the next generation in their business ranks, hiring renowned designer Raf Simmons as co-creative director in 2020. As Simmons confirmed that he is shutting down his namesake brand in November, it will be interesting to see who the future key players of the fashion house will be.