MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyMajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO
Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
Luxury titan LVMH has named Laura Burdese as the new CEO of Bulgari, effective July 1. (Image courtesy of LVMH)
New York—LVMH has named the next CEO of Bulgari.
Laura Burdese, who has worked at LVMH for nearly a decade, will lead Bulgari, effective July 1.
She will succeed longtime LVMH executive Jean-Christophe Babin, who been CEO of Bulgari since 2013.
Babin, who previously served as CEO of TAG Heuer, was appointed head of LVMH Watches in March but retained his role as CEO of Bulgari.
Under Babin’s leadership, the jewelry brand underwent a “profound transformation,” said LVMH, noting its advancements in watchmaking and its expansion into the luxury hospitality industry via new hotels.
Babin was also a part of the expansion of Bulgari’s factory in Valenza, Italy, and the launch of La Scuola Bulgari, its jewelry school.
He will continue to serve as chairman of the Bulgari board, CEO of the Bulgari hotel business unit, and president of the Bulgari Foundation even after Burdese takes over as CEO of the brand.
Both Babin and Burdese will report to Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH group managing director.
“Jean-Christophe has shaped the success of TAG Heuer and Bulgari while creating unique paths within their respective industries,” Bianchi said in a statement from LVMH on the appointment.
“I am confident that in his new missions, he will bring the same energy and keep on supporting LVMH and its maisons thanks to his extraordinary vision.”
Related stories will be right here …
Laura Burdese, who has worked at LVMH for nearly a decade, will lead Bulgari, effective July 1.
She will succeed longtime LVMH executive Jean-Christophe Babin, who been CEO of Bulgari since 2013.
Babin, who previously served as CEO of TAG Heuer, was appointed head of LVMH Watches in March but retained his role as CEO of Bulgari.
Under Babin’s leadership, the jewelry brand underwent a “profound transformation,” said LVMH, noting its advancements in watchmaking and its expansion into the luxury hospitality industry via new hotels.
Babin was also a part of the expansion of Bulgari’s factory in Valenza, Italy, and the launch of La Scuola Bulgari, its jewelry school.
He will continue to serve as chairman of the Bulgari board, CEO of the Bulgari hotel business unit, and president of the Bulgari Foundation even after Burdese takes over as CEO of the brand.
Both Babin and Burdese will report to Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH group managing director.
“Jean-Christophe has shaped the success of TAG Heuer and Bulgari while creating unique paths within their respective industries,” Bianchi said in a statement from LVMH on the appointment.
“I am confident that in his new missions, he will bring the same energy and keep on supporting LVMH and its maisons thanks to his extraordinary vision.”
Incoming Bulgari CEO Burdese joined LVMH in 2016 as CEO of Italian fragrance brand Acqua di Parma.
Burdese started at Bulgari in 2022 as chief marketing officer and was promoted to deputy CEO of the brand in July 2024.
“The nomination of Laura, while opening a new chapter for Bulgari, is a tribute to her strong contribution and accomplishments,” Bianchi said.
Prior to working at LVMH, Burdese was with the Swatch Group for 17 years, including as president and CEO of Calvin Klein, watch and jewelry, as per her LinkedIn profile.
She has also held roles at L’Oréal and German consumer goods manufacturer Beiersdorf.
The transition from one leader to the next is going smoothly, Bianchi said.
“For the past three years, Laura and Jean-Christophe have worked side by side to sustain and orchestrate the brand elevation of the iconic Roman jewelry maison,” he said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farms’ Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
