Luciano Benetton, founder of the clothing group, has revealed his disappointment and betrayal in an interview with Corriere della Sera. He expressed that he trusted those in top management, only to discover that the images they presented were not accurate representations of reality. The group photograph was not a true reflection of the company’s situation and this revelation was a shocking blow to him.
Despite taking Benetton off the stock market to keep entrepreneurial risks within the family’s control, Benetton acknowledges the impact of this betrayal on the company, its employees, and customers worldwide. He feels a strong sense of responsibility to address the situation with transparency and honesty before exiting the group.
Benetton recalls that around a year ago, he began to notice discrepancies in financial numbers during board meetings where he expressed concerns about economic trends not adding up. By the end of last year, the truth came to light with a significant budget shortfall that he describes as a bomb exploding. This revelation left everyone stunned and struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
When pressed about financial losses, Benetton estimates them to be around 100 million but emphasizes that ongoing revelations since September 2023 have been nothing short of a disgrace. Despite personal and emotional toll it has taken on him, he remains committed to addressing issues head-on and taking responsibility for consequences.
The recent revelations have caused significant damage to Benetton Group’s reputation and sales worldwide, leaving many employees struggling financially due to layoffs or reduced hours.
It is unclear what steps will be taken by Benetton or his family members in response to this scandal or how long it will take for them regain public trust.
As we await further developments in this story, it is clear that transparency and honesty are key factors in restoring trust with customers and stakeholders alike.
