Demetrio Apolloni, CEO of B&B Italia Group, has announced his departure, marking a major leadership change at one of Italy's most iconic furniture brands. Apolloni, who joined the company in December 2023 after serving as chief business development officer for Haworth's Lifestyle group, guided B&B Italia through a period of growing international competition and shifting consumer trends. His resignation underscores the challenges furniture companies face in balancing design excellence, operational efficiency, and digital transformation.
© B&B Italia
The global furniture sector is experiencing a wave of executive changes. Brands including Jamie Young Co., Milton & King, RW Collective, Scalamandré, and Coco Republic have appointed new leaders in sales, marketing, and creative roles, while architecture and media firms have strengthened project and editorial leadership. These transitions highlight the strategic importance of adaptable, forward-thinking leadership in an industry increasingly shaped by e-commerce, omnichannel retail, and evolving consumer expectations.
In Poland and beyond, furniture companies are investing heavily in online channels, with 40–45% of sales now flowing through e-commerce. Success demands precise logistics, engaging product presentation, personalised customer service, and careful pricing, making operational excellence essential. For B&B Italia, leadership changes like Apolloni's are pivotal, affecting the brand's ability to compete globally and leverage digital growth opportunities.
As the industry evolves, executives who combine vision with operational and digital expertise will define the future of furniture, shaping consumer expectations and reinforcing the global position of iconic brands like B&B Italia.
Source: www.businessofhome.com
