Turin, Italy—Italian fine jewelry house Mattioli has appointed Claudio Pasta, a former Kering executive, as its new CEO. Backed by Peninsula Capital, which acquired a minority stake in the brand last year, the move signals Mattioli’s intent to expand beyond its traditional niche and compete on the global luxury stage.
Pasta is no stranger to the high jewelry landscape. Until recently, he served as president of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for Pomellato—Kering’s contemporary jewelry powerhouse. Before that, he gained management experience in industries as diverse as cosmetics, automotive, and fitness.
According to Mattioli, this eclectic background gives him “a broad, intercultural managerial vision, with a strong focus on performance and innovation.” Pasta replaces founder Licia Mattioli, who will remain with the maison to safeguard its creative identity and long-term strategy.
Why This Appointment Matters in 2025
Mattioli’s leadership change comes at a time when the fine jewelry sector is facing seismic disruption. The global lab-grown diamond market size has surged past $22 billion and is expected to triple by 2032. Traditional maisons—once confident that their heritage shielded them from change—are now forced to confront a consumer base that increasingly demands ethical sourcing, sustainability, and affordable luxury.
For a brand like Mattioli, this isn’t just a management shake-up; it’s a survival strategy. Pasta’s experience at Pomellato, a house that has successfully balanced design innovation with market shifts, could be critical as Mattioli decides whether to embrace lab-grown diamonds or risk being perceived as out of touch.
The Founder’s Creative Force vs. Market Reality
Licia Mattioli’s continued role ensures the maison’s aesthetic identity remains intact. But with Gen Z and Millennial buyers driving sales through values-first decisions, design alone won’t be enough. The next five years will demand clarity: will Mattioli integrate lab-created diamonds and align with the sustainable jewelry movement, or double down on heritage narratives?
The appointment of Claudio Pasta sets the stage for that choice. And in today’s luxury market, indecision is the only move brands can’t afford.