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Two years after starting the search for someone to take over her company, Diane von Furstenberg has found her successor. WWD reports that the position has been filled by Paolo Riva, who, most recently, spent three years in an executive position at Tory Burch. Before that, he spent years working for Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo.
"He completely seduced me in the way he sees me, the way he sees the brand, the way he sees the potential, and the way he sees the world in disruption," Von Furstenberg told WWD. Riva will start in his new position on May 18th, and according to Von Furstenberg, everyone in the company will report to him.
"What is special about Diane is that she connects emotionally with women of all generations, all around the world," Riva told WWD. "My vision is to unlock the brand potential by offering the relevant mix of products with a unique experience for the consumer. Only a well-orchestrated team can achieve that, and I look forward to leading that team."
Now that Von Furstenberg will no longer be leading the company, WWD asked if she would be working on plans to take the company public in the future. The designer didn't confirm or deny the plans, but just answered by saying: "I want the spirit of the brand to last."