Brandart poaches new CEO Massimo Paloni from Bulgari

Brandart has named a new CEO from outside the company. The Italian packaging and merchandising solutions specialist, chiefly active in the fashion and luxury sectors, has appointed as CEO Massimo Paloni, who spent most of his career at Bulgari.

Paloni succeeds Maurizio Sedgh, founder and CEO of Brandart, who retains the role of president. Brandart was set up in Busto Arsizio, north of Milan, in 1998, and produces consumer goods packaging and merchandising tools. It caters to fashion labels and brands active in the accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery, cosmetics, wines and spirits, high-tech gadgets, electronics and the automotive sectors.

Last September, French alternative asset management firm Tikehau Capital acquired a 25% stake in Brandart. The remaining 75% is still owned by Sedgh, via his Blu Holding company. Brandart has offices in Milan, Paris, New York and Guangzhou. In 2022, it generated a revenue of €215 million, with EBIDTA worth €27 million.

Paloni has a business administration and economics degree from Rome’s La Sapienza university, and a master’s degree in AI and digital transformation from MIT. He also followed the executive programme at the Singularity University in Cupertino, California. He has enjoyed a 20-year-plus career in the luxury sector, having notably joined the LVMH group’s jewellery brand Bulgari in 2001. At Bulgari, he held senior posts in the technology, strategic planning, logistics and innovation departments. In 2020, he was appointed COO & Innovation Officer.

Paloni began his business career as a consultant for French IT group Atos, and is an international specialist in the supply chain, IT, logistics and project management fields. In a press release, he said he will “put his skills to the service of a company that has ambitious plans.” Sedgh said that “[Paloni’s] extensive experience and strategic vision will be crucial in leading [Brandart] to new growth objectives.”