Marchesi 1824, the historic Milanese pastry house owned by Prada Group, has appointed hospitality executive Ivan Haller as its new chief executive officer as the brand prepares for further growth.
Haller succeeds Andrea Menicatti, whose next move was not immediately disclosed. He brings 25 years of international experience in hospitality and food and beverage to the nearly 200-year-old Milan institution.
Most recently, Haller served as president of Nexus Luxury Collection, where he oversaw property openings and developments in London, New York, St. Andrews in Scotland and Albany in the Bahamas. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Four Seasons and Aman, where he was global head of food and beverage operations and development.
Marchesi 1824 Builds Its International Presence
The appointment comes as Prada Group continues to expand Marchesi 1824 beyond its original Milanese home. Founded two centuries ago on Via Santa Maria alla Porta, the pastry shop became part of Prada Group in March 2014.
The company subsequently opened locations on Via Monte Napoleone in 2015 and inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 2016. Its international expansion continued with a London location on Mount Street in 2019, followed by a second London outpost at Harrods earlier this year in the department store’s Chocolate Hall.
Marchesi 1824 celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024 with the publication of Pasticceria Marchesi: Savoring the Spirit of Milan, produced with Assouline.
The brand has retained the Art Nouveau interiors and neighborhood character of its original pastry shop while giving its newer locations a more polished luxury aesthetic. Architect Roberto Baciocchi, a longtime Prada Group collaborator, helped shape the newer cafés with elements including Prada’s signature eau de nil color and green floral jacquard silk wallpaper.
Marchesi 1824 is known for its handmade pastries and confectionery, particularly its traditional panettone and Torta Aurora vanilla sponge cake.
Prada Group’s hospitality interests also extend beyond the pastry brand. In 2023, it added a property in Forte dei Marmi that combines the identity of the original Caffè Principe with elements of Marchesi 1824 and Prada.
Why It Matters
Haller’s appointment comes as Marchesi 1824 strengthens its position as a luxury hospitality brand with an expanding international footprint. His background across high-end hotels and food and beverage operations brings experience in developing hospitality concepts across multiple markets.
