Francesca Bellettini was born in Cesena, Italy . She earned her economics degree from Bocconi University in Milan , one of Italy’s top business schools. Early in her career, she made her mark in investment banking at Goldman Sachs , working in London and Milan, before finding her calling in fashion.
Bellettini’s analytical mind, paired with an instinct for creativity, positioned her to become one of the most respected business leaders in the global luxury sector. She later joined Helmut Lang , then part of Prada
Group, before holding vital commercial development positions at Gucci and Bottega Veneta . Climbing the Ranks: Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Yves Saint Laurent Bellettini entered luxury with Prada , serving as Director of Strategic Planning .
There, she was instrumental in developing the women’s ready-to-wear business and supporting brand expansion. At Bottega Veneta , where she was Worldwide Merchandising Director, Bellettini deepened her command of product strategy and international markets.
Her ability to blend number-driven insights with brand storytelling soon caught broader industry attention. Transforming Yves Saint Laurent In 2013 , Bellettini was appointed CEO of Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) , a pivotal move that would solidify her legacy.
Under her leadership, YSL underwent a dramatic transformation: streamlining operations, boosting digital strategy, reinvigorating retail, and guiding collaborations with creative directors Hedi Slimane and, later, Anthony Vaccarello . During her decade-long term, YSL’s revenue quintupled…
