The Gucci veteran executive and former MCM manager succeeds Stefano Ferro in the role.
MILAN — Gucci veteran executive Marie-Laure Lequain has been named Borbonese’s new chief executive officer.
The brand’s first female chief, Lequain brings a wealth of experience in merchandising, digital channels and category development to the storied Italian leather goods label.
“Borbonese has a distinct personality and a history that deserves recognition for its capacity to innovate. It is an honor to lead the maison and a responsibility I feel deeply,” Lequain said.
“I believe in this maison’s potential and in the opportunity to elevate it. Our work starts with people, their expertise and a careful understanding of what makes Borbonese unique to its customers. Together, we want to give this value a contemporary expression and build solid foundations for growth,” she offered.
Lequain spent more than 15 years at Gucci, joining as worldwide merchandising director jewelry and watches in 2006, tasked with developing those categories. She later moved on to similar merchandising roles for women’s ready-to-wear and digital, before being named vice president, digital and working on the relaunch of the brand’s e-commerce and the debut of Gucci Vault, a multibrand websites conceived by then-creative director Alessandro Michele.
Lequain most recently served as chief digital and merchandising officer at German leather goods specialist MCM, which she joined in 2023.
Borbonese was started in Turin, Italy , in 1910 under the ownership of Umberto Minestrone and Edoardo Calcagno, supplying necklaces, bracelets and other accoutrements to Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi, Galitzine and Ungaro.
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