Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella appoints new CEO

With over 20 years of experience in the luxury retail sector, Giovanna Paoloni has been appointed CEO of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.

Paoloni most recently served as General Manager of Bottega Veneta for Northern Europe until July 2023, taking responsibility for all business activities in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Scandinavia.

Prior to this, she was Retail Director at Oxfordshire designer outlet Bicester Village, as well as General Sales Manager at Harrods and Retail Area Manager at Prada Group.

"I feel the pride and responsibility to take over the leadership of this historic brand, a heritage of Italian values and beauty that has no equal in the world," said Paoloni.

"My goal will be to accompany the brand in the next phase of internationalisation and growth, with a particular focus on product development and the excellence of our retail strategy, along with the opening of new markets."

As CEO of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Paoloni replaces Gian Luca Perris.

Perris will continue to work as a consultant with the company, putting his 30 years of expertise in artistic perfumery to work in support of the further development of its fragrance segment.

Considered to be the oldest historic pharmacy in the world, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella was taken over by investment firm Italmobiliare in 2020.

It has has since doubled the number of employees, revenues, and shops and is now present in more than 30 countries.