MILAN — Known for evolving the kitchen into the design hub of the home, Cesar’s founding family now has 100 percent control of the company.
In a statement released Tuesday, the firm said its primary shareholding partner Michele Della Libera passed away in December. Della Libera left his shares to chief executive officer Gina Cester, the daughter of the company’s founder Sante Cester. Sante Cester founded the firm in 1969 in Pramaggiore, near Venice, and in the years following he garnered recognition for his vibrant, paneled, modular kitchen units.
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Also on Tuesday, Cesar said it appointed former Valcucine CEO Maurizio Vianello as its general manager, as the firm aims to accelerate growth and consolidate the brand’s positioning in its key markets.
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“With Maurizio’s arrival, a new phase begins: his experience will allow us to reinforce our organization and processes, leveraging the passion of our people and the significant investments made to date. I am pleased and look ahead with confidence,” Gina Cester said in a statement.
According to Vianello’s LinkedIn, he stepped down as CEO of design kitchen firm Valcucine in August 2025. He has also held executive roles in the design, food service equipment and home appliance sectors.
In 2025, the North American market represented 15 percent of Cesar’s total turnover, fueled in part by the recent opening of a flagship in Miami. Exports outside of Italy represented 60 percent of its total revenue. The firm also has a presence at Mumbai design hub and concept store Nilaya Anthology.