Stefano Rosso named chair of Aura Blockchain Consortium

Published on : May 04, 2026 13:43 UTC

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Vogue

The snapshot

Stefano Rosso, CEO of OTB Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Aura Blockchain Consortium, a Swiss-based nonprofit organization focused on blockchain technology in luxury fashion. He succeeds Prada Group’s Lorenzo Bertelli in the role, who will remain on the board.

The moment

The Aura Blockchain Consortium announced the leadership transition as part of its ongoing evolution in the luxury technology space. Rosso, who has served on Aura’s board since OTB Group joined the consortium in 2021, will now lead the organization as it continues to develop blockchain solutions for authentication, traceability, and digital innovation across the fashion industry.

Lorenzo Bertelli, who previously held the chair position, is stepping aside from the leadership role but will remain involved as a board member. The transition reflects a natural progression as the consortium grows and adapts to the changing needs of luxury brands amid the digital transformation.

Aura Blockchain Consortium was established to help luxury brands leverage blockchain technology for product authentication, supply chain transparency, and customer engagement. The organization counts several major fashion houses among its members, all working to address concerns around counterfeiting and to build trust with increasingly digitally minded consumers.

The take

This appointment signals continued investment in the technology infrastructure that luxury fashion brands believe will shape their future. While blockchain may sound technical or abstract, its applications in fashion are increasingly practical, from verifying the authenticity of high-end handbags to tracking the journey of materials from source to finished product.

Rosso’s leadership comes at a time when luxury consumers, particularly younger generations, are asking more questions about where their products come from and how brands prove their claims around sustainability and authenticity. The consortium’s work addresses those concerns through technology that creates permanent, transparent records.

For an industry built on heritage, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, the shift toward digital verification represents a meaningful change in how luxury brands communicate value and build trust with their customers.

Backstory (for casual readers)

Stefano Rosso is the CEO of OTB Group, the Italian fashion conglomerate that owns brands including Maison Margiela, Marni, and Diesel. As the son of Diesel founder Renzo Rosso, he has been deeply involved in the family business and its expansion into a multi-brand luxury group.

The Aura Blockchain Consortium was founded by LVMH and the Prada Group, later joined by brands such as Cartier and OTB Group. The organization focuses on creating shared technology solutions that luxury brands can use to authenticate products, engage with customers through digital experiences, and provide transparency around manufacturing and sourcing.

Lorenzo Bertelli, the son of Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, serves as head of corporate social responsibility at Prada Group and has been a vocal advocate for innovation and sustainability in luxury fashion. His continued involvement on the board ensures continuity as the organization transitions leadership.

Receipts

Confirmed:

Stefano Rosso has been appointed as the new chair of the Aura Blockchain Consortium
Rosso succeeds Prada Group’s Lorenzo Bertelli in the role
Bertelli will remain on the consortium’s board
Rosso has served on Aura’s board since OTB Group joined in 2021
Aura Blockchain Consortium is a Swiss-based nonprofit organization

Unverified/Reported:

Specific strategic priorities under Rosso’s leadership have not been detailed publicly

What’s next

Under Rosso’s leadership, the consortium is expected to continue expanding its membership and developing technology solutions that address the practical needs of luxury brands. As more consumers shop online and seek assurance about product authenticity and ethical sourcing, the demand for transparent, verifiable information is likely to grow.

The fashion industry is also watching how blockchain technology evolves beyond authentication to areas such as resale verification, digital fashion, and customer loyalty programs. The consortium’s work may influence how luxury brands approach these emerging opportunities.

For now, Rosso’s appointment reflects the ongoing commitment from major fashion groups to invest in the infrastructure they believe will define luxury commerce in the years ahead.

How important is product authentication technology to your confidence in luxury purchases?

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