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Former Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani dies aged 68

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 11, 2025

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· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Former Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani dies aged 68
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ROME (Reuters) -Francesco Trapani, the former Bulgari CEO who led the Italian luxury brand for three decades and orchestrated its sale to French conglomerate LVMH, has died at the age of 68, a public

Former Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani dies aged 68

ROME (Reuters) -Francesco Trapani, the former Bulgari CEO who led the Italian luxury brand for three decades and orchestrated its sale to French conglomerate LVMH, has died at the age of 68, a public relations agency representing him said on Thursday.

Trapani "passed away peacefully" on Wednesday at home in Rome, Barabino & Partners said in a statement.

A descendant of the Bulgari family, Trapani became CEO in 1984 and expanded the brand from jewellery into new categories — including watches, fragrances, leather goods, and luxury hospitality — while accelerating its international growth.

He took Bulgari public on the Italian stock exchange in July 1995, a status maintained until 2011 when the company became part of LVMH. He left the company in 2014.

Trapani held senior roles at the Italian private equity fund Clessidra, the activist hedge fund Bluebell Capital and Partners, Tiffany, Tages Group, and VAM Investments.

(Wrtiting by Francesca Piscioneri, editing by Alvise Armellini and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)

Key Takeaways

  • Francesco Trapani, former Bulgari CEO, dies at 68.
  • Led Bulgari's expansion into watches, fragrances, and more.
  • Orchestrated Bulgari's sale to LVMH in 2011.
  • Held senior roles at Clessidra, Bluebell Capital, and others.
  • Passed away peacefully at home in Rome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position did Francesco Trapani hold at Bulgari?
Francesco Trapani served as the CEO of Bulgari, leading the brand for three decades starting in 1984.
When did Francesco Trapani pass away?
Francesco Trapani passed away at the age of 68 on Wednesday at his home in Rome.
What significant actions did Trapani take during his tenure at Bulgari?
He expanded Bulgari's product range beyond jewellery to include watches, fragrances, leather goods, and luxury hospitality.
When did Bulgari go public, and when was it sold to LVMH?
Bulgari went public on the Italian stock exchange in July 1995 and was sold to LVMH in 2011.
What roles did Trapani hold after leaving Bulgari?
After leaving Bulgari in 2014, Trapani held senior roles at various investment firms, including Clessidra and Bluebell Capital.

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