What was changed
Lavazza, founded in Turin in 1895, grew under the third generation into a global coffee group. In April 2023 the family formally announced the handover from the third to the fourth generation: Giuseppe Lavazza became chairman, succeeding his cousin Alberto, who had led the company for 15 years and became honorary chairman.
The new board kept Marco Lavazza as vice chairman, added family members Antonella, Francesca and Manuela Lavazza, and confirmed Antonio Baravalle as CEO. Two independent directors were added to support digital and business development, blending family ownership with outside expertise.
The handover happened from strength: under the third generation's leadership, revenue rose from about 1 billion to 2.7 billion euros, nearly tripling, and international business grew from about a third to roughly 70% of the group's sales.
What it achieved
Family control continued under a new board led by the fourth generation, while outside CEO Antonio Baravalle stayed on to run the business.
Why it worked
The third generation had already professionalized management with an outside CEO.
A formal board change let the fourth generation take responsibility gradually.
Keeping family control avoided the ownership fights that fracture many Italian dynasties.
What can be applied
Passing the chair to the next generation while keeping a professional CEO lets a family firm change leaders without changing management.
Aftermath
Giuseppe Lavazza remained chairman and pushed international expansion, including a dedicated push in China. The family kept full ownership of the group while the fourth generation now runs the business day to day.
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