Salon Today
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Organizational and Strategic Changes at Belvedere-Maletti

As Principle, President and COO Horst Ackermann steps down from Belvedere-Maletti and retires at the end of the month, Luca Fonte steps in as Chief Operating Officer and lists his overall goals for the first 100 days.

Stacey Soble
Stacey SobleDirector of Brand Content Strategy
Read Stacey's Posts
March 29, 2022
Organizational and Strategic Changes at Belvedere-Maletti

Belvedere-Maletti's new Chief Operating Officer Luca Fonte steps into the role Principle, President and COO Horst Ackermann leaves behind when he retires March 31. 

2 min to read


Principle, President and COO Horst Ackermann will retire from Belvedere-Maletti, leaving Luca Fonte as his replacement. The company thanks Ackermann for his nearly 20 years of service and is excited about the forward vision Fonte has for the company. 

"Luca knows the industry and was groomed for this role," Ackermann says. "He already has shown that he can lead this company since we started this transition while I was still in charge." 

Ad Loading...

While Ackermann will remain available for Belvedere-Maletti in a consulting capacity, as needed, he has faith in Fonte's leadership, skillset and drive to modernize the company so it can better connect with and serve its clients. 

"It is an honor for me to head such an iconic company in the beauty industry," Fonte says. "I am privileged to start this journey, and you will shortly see changes in our product line, partnerships and marketing, which will keep Belvedere-Maletti where it deserves to be--the go to destination for the beauty industry."

A Revitalized Strategic Vision

As a way to position the company as the go-to source for salon furnishings, Fonte will be focused on shifting the brand's perception and easing the customer's path to checkout. 

In his first 100 days, Fonte's top priorities include: 

  • Stronger integration among American and European divisions: The company will continue to leverage the esteemed Belvedere name, while revitalizing its brand perception thanks to the Italian aesthetic Maletti brings to the table.

  • Move manufacturing to North America: Italian design made in America give the company's customers the best of both worlds; they can also expect new products and designs from the company. 

  • Modernize the company's eCommerce capabilities: In an effort to simplify the customer journey and enhance the shopping experience, there will be a new focus on eCommerce, as well as updates to the sales organization and its channels. 

  • Greater focus on marketing and strategic parnterships: The company is excited to put its best foot forward in the marketplace and reintroduce prospective clients to the modernized Belvedere-Maletti brand. 


More In The Know

A man cuts a man's hair
In The Know|Articles|Aug 6, 2026

In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

Volunteers at HairToStay Does the Bay
In The Know|Articles|Jul 30, 2026

Take the Plunge with HairToSay Does the Bay

In October, volunteers plan to walk and take the plunge during at the annual event, HairToStay Does the Bay. Find out how you can participate and support the organization that grants subsidies to cancer patients so they can receive cold cap treatments to save their hair during chemotherapy.

Ad Loading...
Headshot of Sheue Pella
In The Know|Articles|Jul 28, 2026

The Invisible Work of a Rebrand

In this rare essay, the president of a haircare brand takes us behind-the-scenes into a world we never see when we pick up a product off the shelves--the arduous, thought-probing, second-guessing journey of rebranding a legacy product line. Not only is her reflection fascinating, but it is also incredibly useful for any salon owner or manufacturer contemplating their own brand.

Ad Loading...