Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio Steps Down from EssilorLuxottica Roles to Pursue New Ventures

• by Shimanta Das
• August 26, 2026

In a significant development for the eyewear industry, Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, son of the late founder of Luxottica, has decided to step down from all his executive positions at EssilorLuxottica. The announcement, initially reported by Milano Finanza, was officially confirmed by a spokesperson for the Franco-Italian group. This move marks the end of an era for the Del Vecchio family’s direct involvement in the day-to-day leadership of the world’s largest eyewear company.

Del Vecchio’s departure includes his roles as Chairman of Ray-Ban and Chief Strategy Officer of the group. In a statement, the spokesperson expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank Leonardo Maria for contributing to the growth of the group and for realizing the strategic vision desired by his father.” This acknowledgment highlights the significant impact he has had on the company’s trajectory, particularly in strengthening the iconic Ray-Ban brand and shaping strategic initiatives that have solidified EssilorLuxottica’s market dominance.

The decision to leave comes as Del Vecchio aims to dedicate his time and energy to new entrepreneurial projects. While specific details about these ventures have not been disclosed, industry insiders speculate that he may leverage his extensive experience and family legacy to explore opportunities in technology, sustainability, or even new consumer brands. His departure is seen as a natural progression for a young executive eager to carve his own path, separate from the corporate structure built by his father, Leonardo Del Vecchio, who passed away in 2022.

This transition raises questions about the future leadership dynamics at EssilorLuxottica. The group, which has thrived under the combined leadership of the Del Vecchio family and executives like Francesco Milleri, will need to fill the strategic void left by Del Vecchio. However, analysts remain optimistic, citing the company’s robust management team and its ability to adapt to changes. For now, the industry watches closely as Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio embarks on a new chapter, potentially reshaping the business landscape with his innovative spirit.