EssilorLuxottica CEO calls attacks on Leonardo succession incomprehensible while Del Vecchio Jr criticizes compensation, highlighting internal governance tension
Executive summary: EssilorLuxottica CEO Milleri stated that attacks on the Leonardo succession are incomprehensible and urged closing the process to end pointless polemics; Del Vecchio Jr publicly criticized the firm’s compensation policies. The dispute exposes governance tensions at EssilorLuxottica that could affect succession planning, board stability, and investor confidence in the luxury eyewear leader.
Who is involved: Milleri (CEO, EssilorLuxottica), Leonardo Maria (board member referenced in the attacks), Del Vecchio Jr (heir of founder Leonardo Del Vecchio).
Likely next: Continued internal discussion, potential board statement or meeting on succession and compensation, and possible market reaction to any further developments.
EssilorLuxottica’s chief executive Francesco Milleri has publicly dismissed the criticism leveled by Leonardo Del Vecchio Jr. as “incomprehensible,” insisting that the succession plan for the Leonardo brand must be finalised to end what he calls unfounded polemics. At the same time, the younger Del Vecchio has taken aim at the company’s compensation structure, arguing that pay packages are misaligned with long‑term shareholder interests. The exchange underscores a widening governance rift at the world’s largest eyewear group, where the founding family’s influence intersects with a professional management team tasked with integrating the 2018 merger of Essilor and Luxottica. Investors are watching closely because unresolved succession and remuneration disputes can delay strategic decisions — such as the rollout of new lens technologies, expansion in emerging markets, and the integration of digital retail channels — and may trigger heightened scrutiny from proxy advisors ahead of the next annual general meeting. In the near term, the board will likely face pressure to publish a clear timeline for the Leonardo leadership transition and to present a revised compensation framework that satisfies both family shareholders and institutional investors, or risk a protracted proxy contest that could weigh on the stock’s valuation.
What's next — scenarios
Controlled Transition (50%)
Management stability is maintained, ensuring steady execution of current strategic plans and partnerships.
- Board resolution confirming the CEO and succession timeline by end of quarter
- Public reconciliation statement from the Del Vecchio family heirs
Boardroom Escalation (30%)
Increased executive distraction and potential proxy battles could delay critical capital allocation and M&A decisions.
- Formal vote against executive compensation at the upcoming AGM
- Public resignation or replacement of board members aligned with the heirs
Leadership Overhaul (20%)
A sudden change in top leadership would trigger a strategic pivot, impacting supplier contracts and tech partnerships.
- Early departure of CEO Francesco Milleri announced before year-end
- Acquisition of additional voting shares by the Del Vecchio family trust to consolidate control
What to watch
- Next scheduled board meeting minutes regarding governance and succession
- Shareholder proxy advisory firm reports (ISS, Glass Lewis) on executive compensation ahead of the AGM
- Public statements by Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio regarding governance demands over the next 60 days
Timeline
- — Milleri: “Incomprensibili gli attacchi di Leonardo Maria”. Ma Del Vecchio jr lo punge sui compensi (la Repubblica — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- eyewear manufacturing
- luxury optics
Key entities
Sources
- Milleri: “Incomprensibili gli attacchi di Leonardo Maria”. Ma Del Vecchio jr lo punge sui compensi — la Repubblica — Economia