Christian Dionori

Retail & Franchising Director | 15+ Years Scaling Luxury Networks Across EMEA, Middle East & Asia | CHANEL, LVMH, Zegna

Paris, Île-de-France, France

About

Over 15 years building and scaling retail and franchising networks for leading luxury maisons - CHANEL, LVMH (Marc Jacobs), and Ermenegildo Zegna - across EMEA, the Middle East, and Asia. I have led the end-to-end development of new markets, from partner identification and negotiation to boutique openings and ongoing performance management, consistently turning strategic vision into operational results. Throughout my career, I have built and led multicultural teams across diverse markets, with a strong focus on team development and talent growth. I believe sustainable business expansion goes hand in hand with developing the people who drive it. In an industry where client expectations and market dynamics evolve constantly, I believe adaptability and emotional intelligence are essential to staying relevant and driving long-term success.

Experience

  • CHANEL (On-site)
    • Fashion Europe Retail Expertise Manager
      Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

      - Identify business needs to elevate execution across European boutiques, developing structured programs and tools while energizing the Fashion Europe Retail community. - Partner with Métier experts to design competency and performance frameworks for boutique roles, supporting performance and career development. - Build assessment tools used across markets for recruitment and talent development of boutique CODIR roles. - Lead design of a 3-day seminar for Marketing Managers and Boutique Directors on Client Experience, Intelligence, Engagement, and Events.

    • Fashion Area Manager Middle East
      May 2020 - Apr 2025 · 5 yrs

      - Led end-to-end management of 8 boutiques across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Bahrain, driving performance, team development, and client experience. - Directed the opening of 2 new boutiques in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and the renovation of 4 others. - Shaped market-specific business strategy aligned with CHANEL's European vision, managing financial planning and budgeting against strategic goals. - Partnered cross-functionally with Training, Merchandising, Marketing, Store Planning, VM, Operations, HR, and Legal to ensure brand consistency, drive talent development, and improve contractual efficiency.

  • WW Commercial - Associate Director at Anya Hindmarch
    May 2017 - Aug 2019 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    - Led global commercial strategy across franchising in key Asian markets (Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia), plus wholesale and e-tailer partnerships worldwide. - Drove commercial performance through integrated sell-in and sell-out strategies, partnering closely with the Creative Director and cross-functional corporate teams. - Led and mentored a team of 3 Area Managers and 2 Sales Coordinators, driving development, accountability, and results. - Managed the Sales department's overhead budget, optimizing resource allocation for sustainable growth. - Partnered with the Collection Merchandising Director to define product mix and pricing strategy by market and season, maximizing commercial impact while preserving brand consistency.

  • Franchising Manager EMEA at Marc Jacobs - LVMH Fashion & Leather Goods Division
    Sep 2013 - Aug 2016 · 3 yrs

    - Spearheaded expansion of the franchising business model into new territories, identifying strategic markets and business partners. - Drove the successful opening of 7 new boutiques across Turkey, Azerbaijan, Norway, Kuwait, Denmark, and Greece. - Negotiated and managed franchise partner agreements, ensuring alignment with brand standards and commercial objectives. - Drove sell-in and sell-out performance with partners. - Collaborated cross-functionally with corporate functions to ensure consistency in goals and operational performance.

  • Franchising & Wholesale Manager Eastern & Northern Europe at Ermenegildo Zegna Group
    Jul 2010 - Jul 2013 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    - Developed and executed tailored sales and distribution strategies across Eastern & Northern Europe, identifying strategic markets and business partners. - Oversaw boutique openings in Montenegro and Latvia. - Negotiated and managed franchise and wholesale partner agreements, ensuring alignment with brand standards and commercial objectives. - Led seasonal buying sessions in collaboration with business accounts, driving sell-in and sell-out performance. - Collaborated cross-functionally with corporate functions to ensure consistency in goals and operational performance.