Lucia Marcuzzo, Levi Strauss & Co

Curated by VSM Alumni, December 2024

Lucia joined Levi Strauss & Co. in 2010 as Vice President Retail Europe, overseeing company-operated stores, the e-commerce channel, and the franchise network. In March 2016, she was appointed Vice President Central Cluster, achieving significant results in the German and Benelux markets. In September 2020, her role expanded to include the UK and Nordic countries, and in May 2021, she was promoted to Senior Vice President & Managing Director for Northern Europe, adding responsibilities for Eastern Europe as well.
With a passion for teamwork and inclusive leadership, Lucia describes retail as “a deeply people-driven industry, where success depends on your ability to influence, collaborate, and lead at different organizational levels.”
Her vision reflects a continuous commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive work environments, contributing to the advancement of the retail industry in an increasingly dynamic global context.

How would you describe your study experience at the Venice School of Management? How did it influence your career?
Studying at the Venice School of Management was transformative. It taught me to think critically, connect theory with practice, and approach challenges with a global mindset. The combination of academic rigor and practical application to the “real world” provided an invaluable foundation for my career. It also sparked a curiosity that still drives me to learn every day. Of course, the unique setting of Venice made those years truly special.

What skills or values you developed during your studies have been essential in your current role as Managing Director Europe at Levi Strauss & Co.?
Three key aspects come to mind: adaptability, rigor, and collaboration. At the Venice School of Management, I learned to approach complex and rapidly changing problems with flexibility and composure. The professors and programmes demanded hard work and a rigorous mindset—it wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. Collaboration was another core value: studying and working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives taught me the importance of embracing diverse viewpoints—something I rely on daily while leading a multinational European team.

In your opinion, what are the main challenges and opportunities fashion retail managers face today?
The biggest challenge is navigating constant change, whether in consumer behavior, technological advancements, or economic uncertainty. The fashion retail sector is continuously evolving, and that brings both challenges and opportunities. These same forces allow us to rethink how we connect with customers—leveraging data and technology to build deeper, more personalized relationships while navigating market complexity.
The key for leaders is to have a bold vision, to look beyond the short term, and to act with clarity and the ability to adapt quickly to unexpected circumstances, remaining flexible and ready to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

How important is the dialogue between universities and the professional world in shaping tomorrow’s leaders? Do you have concrete examples of how this dialogue has supported your career?
The dialogue between academia and the professional world is crucial to shaping forward-thinking leaders. Academia provides theoretical frameworks and new ways of thinking, while companies test those ideas in real-world contexts. Early in my career, this dialogue helped me connect strategic concepts to operational challenges. Today, I see it as a two-way street: companies can also provide valuable input to help shape academic curricula and better prepare future leaders for the complexities ahead.
A recent meeting with students at the Venice School of Management gave both me and my leadership team insightful, real-time feedback and fresh, well-prepared perspectives on the Levi’s® brand.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in a leadership position, and how have you overcome them?
One of the main challenges has been balancing competing priorities and finding equilibrium between personal and professional life. But every challenge has been an opportunity to grow and make an impact. I learned early on to prioritize and to favor progress over perfection.
Finding my leadership style and my voice has been—and still is—a journey. I try to balance confidence with humility to stay authentic and focused on meaningful results. Along the way, I’ve relied on strong relationships, trusted mentors, and a network of colleagues who have served as both allies and sources of inspiration.
Today, I see these moments not as obstacles, but as opportunities to lead authentically, break barriers, and pave the way for the next generation of leaders—both women and men—to dream big and achieve more.

If you could share a message with today’s students at the Venice School of Management, what advice would you give them to make the most of their studies and prepare for a successful career?
George Bernard Shaw once said: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Never underestimate the power of effective communication. Be known as someone who communicates well.
Secondly, a growth mindset is a real asset: stay curious, don’t be discouraged by obstacles—embrace them as learning opportunities—and face challenges with courage. Success and growth come when you’re willing to push beyond your comfort zone.
Give yourself time to learn. An extraordinary career rarely falls from the sky.

Lucia Marcuzzo’s professional journey is a testament to the power of solid preparation and authentic leadership. Her experience at Ca’ Foscari and the Department of Management—now the Venice School of Management—equipped her with the tools to successfully navigate an ever-changing industry. Her story shows that curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration are the cornerstones of a thriving career. With a bold vision and strong commitment to her values, Lucia continues to inspire the next generation of leaders, proving that the future of retail—and of leadership itself—is built with dedication, creativity, and courage.