Co-founder and 40 per cent stakeholder of Dolce & Gabbana, Stefano Gabbana, stepped down from his role as chair of the board at the start of the year, according to the company’s latest filings.

The fashion house, founded in 1985 by Gabbana and then-partner Domenico Dolce, described the change as “part of a natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance”, adding that “these resignations have no impact whatsoever on the creative activities carried out by Stefano Gabbana on behalf of the group”.

He was replaced on 1 January by Domenico Dolce’s brother, Alfonso Dolce, who already serves as chief executive of the company. Former Gucci executive Stefano Cantino has also taken a senior management position, according to the company filings.

Stefano Gabbana is said to be considering options for his stake in the company ahead of a further round of negotiations with bank lenders, according to Bloomberg. The company is currently around €450 million in debt, and reports last year suggested it had appointed a financial adviser. Bloomberg reported late last month that the adviser is Rothschild & Co, though it did not respond to a request for comment.

Last year, the company negotiated a refinancing of around €300 million, due in February 2030, with a further €150 million to finance its expansion into the beauty and property sectors, according to Bloomberg.

Dolce & Gabbana rose to prominence in the 1990s, being worn by celebrities including Madonna, Beyoncé and Monica Bellucci, but has worked in recent years to expand into homeware and beauty markets, including a €1,150 leopard-print vase.

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