Rocco Basilico, Architect of Ray-Ban Meta, to Leave EssilorLuxottica – A Family Legacy Shifts & Tech Future Beckons
[URGENT: Google News] The world of fashion tech is buzzing. Rocco Basilico, the executive instrumental in forging the groundbreaking partnership between Ray-Ban and Meta, announced his resignation from EssilorLuxottica, effective 2026. This isn’t just a corporate move; it’s a story steeped in family history, entrepreneurial ambition, and the evolving landscape of wearable technology. This breaking news signals a potential seismic shift in the eyewear and tech industries, and archyde.com has the exclusive details.
From Shoulders of a Giant to Charting His Own Course
A poignant Instagram post – a childhood photo of Basilico perched on the shoulders of the late Leonardo Del Vecchio – accompanied his announcement. The caption, “I lived on the shoulders of a giant. Your teachings guide my path,” speaks volumes about the deep connection he shared with the Luxottica founder. Del Vecchio, who considered Basilico “like another son,” ensured he was an equal heir alongside his biological children in his will, a testament to their bond. This familial link, combined with Basilico’s own vision, propelled him to the forefront of innovation within the eyewear giant.
The Ray-Ban Meta Revolution & A Close Relationship with Zuckerberg
Basilico’s career within EssilorLuxottica was nothing short of meteoric. After graduating from the Catholic University, he quickly rose through the ranks, revitalizing Oliver Peoples in North America and securing a high-profile partnership with Roger Federer. However, his most significant achievement came as Chief Wearables Officer, spearheading the collaboration with Meta that birthed Ray-Ban Stories. This venture wasn’t merely about adding technology to eyewear; it was about seamlessly integrating fashion and functionality, creating a gateway to the digital ecosystem. His relationship with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is described as close and collaborative, hinting at a shared vision for the future of wearables.
A Family Affair & The Delfin Shareholding Puzzle
The timing of Basilico’s departure is particularly noteworthy. It comes amidst internal family discussions regarding the 12.5% share of Delfin, the Del Vecchio family holding, previously held in usufruct by Nicoletta Zampillo (Basilico’s mother) and now transitioning to Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, Rocco’s brother. While sources describe Basilico’s decision as “serene” and long-considered, the family dynamics surrounding the share transfer appear to have accelerated the announcement. For years, Rocco, Leonardo Maria, and their mother were seen as a unified force within the Del Vecchio empire, making this move all the more surprising.
Beyond EssilorLuxottica: Vision Exe, GW Holdings & The California Dream
Basilico isn’t stepping away from entrepreneurship; he’s pivoting. He’s already the sole shareholder of Vision Exe, which has invested in the dark kitchen concept Kuiri, and co-founded GW Holdings alongside Paolo Denti (known for his work in robotics) and Giorgio Presca (a veteran of Geox, Golden Goose, and Furla). GW Holdings is generating significant buzz, and industry insiders anticipate a major announcement following Basilico’s official departure in January 2026. All signs point towards a strategic relocation to California, where he currently resides, suggesting a focus on the burgeoning tech scene and potentially a new, autonomous venture in the wearables sector. His recent marriage to Sonia Ammar, daughter of French-Tunisian producer Tarak Ben Ammar, further solidifies his international connections and entrepreneurial spirit.
Rocco Basilico’s journey – from a child riding on the shoulders of a visionary to a leader shaping the future of wearable technology – is a compelling narrative of legacy, innovation, and ambition. His next chapter, unfolding against the backdrop of Silicon Valley, promises to be just as captivating. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest insights into the evolving world of fashion tech and SEO strategies for staying ahead in the digital landscape. Explore our archives for more breaking news and in-depth analysis of the tech industry.
