Rubelli’s Succession: A New Chapter in Luxury Textile

MILAN — The prestigious textile company Rubelli is enhancing its presence in the contract sector with a keen focus on luxury projects, particularly within the hotel segment. This initiative comes as two sons take on a leadership role following the passing of company control from their father, Alessandro Favaretto Rubelli, who has successfully guided the Venice-based firm into a modern era since 1955.

On Monday, the company announced that Alessandro, a 94-year-old heir to the Rubelli legacy and a lawyer by training, has transferred leadership responsibilities to his two sons, Nicolò and Andrea Favaretto Rubelli. As joint co-CEOs, they aim to further the company’s rich heritage while introducing innovative strategies.

Alessandro, who is the great-grandson of the founder Lorenzo Rubelli, established the company in 1889 and has remained a significant figure in its growth, now taking on the role of honorary president after stepping down from active operations. Nicolò has been the solitary CEO for 20 years and will oversee sales, marketing, and collection development. Meanwhile, Andrea will focus on production, purchasing, logistics, and IT.

Dedicated to Legacy and Growth

“We’re deeply passionate about our legacy and feel it’s our duty to continue this mission,” Nicolò emphasized in an interview. He noted that the sixth generation of the Rubelli family includes three grandsons who are currently too young to join the company; they are instead encouraged to pursue paths outside of the family business. The company is also in search of external independent board members to fortify its governance structure.

Marco Frizziero, Nicolò’s son-in-law, has assumed the position of chairman of the board, joining a newly formed five-member board that includes Lorenzo Favaretto Rubelli and accountant Paolo Zanatta.

Management is set to finalize its strategic plan for 2026 to 2028, which will continue to prioritize the creation, production, and distribution of high-quality furnishing fabrics and wall coverings. The design studio Formafantasma, working from Milan and Rotterdam, has been appointed as the creative director for both Rubelli and its niche brand Kieffer. Renowned for its collaborations with luxury brands like Flos and Max Mara, Formafantasma brings a contemporary vision to Rubelli’s esteemed offerings.

Strengthening the Luxury Market

The strategic plan includes significant expansion into the contract sector, with a pronounced emphasis on luxury and hospitality projects. The firm launched its home division in 2015 and has since developed collaborations with leading Italian designers, including architectural designer Cristina Celestino and esteemed American architect Peter Marino. Marino’s collaboration resulted in three silk damask fabrics, inspired by the works of the 16th-century painter Titian, contributing to Rubelli’s impressive design portfolio.

In reflecting on his journey, Alessandro Rubelli disclosed that he originally studied law and did not foresee a future in the family business; however, he quickly became enamored with fabric. He believes that his legal background was instrumental in leading the company into a modernized operational framework, which allowed the firm to thrive in contemporary markets. Alessandro expressed a strong commitment to keeping the company within the family despite numerous offers for acquisition, underscoring the importance of tradition and legacy.

The new leadership team views the future positively and remains receptive to new ideas without actively seeking external investors. Their focus is to uphold the values and standards established by their predecessors while exploring innovative avenues for growth.

Rubelli represents a storied legacy in the luxury textile industry, and with its new leadership, the company is poised to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of design and manufacturing while honoring its time-honored traditions.

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