Leadership & Governance
IIFM is the pioneering institution at the forefront of fashion management higher education, located in the heart of Milan, the world’s fashion capital. With a global vision and a commitment to excellence, IIFM connects academia, industry, and innovation to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
Arturo Dell'Acqua Bellavitis
Provost and Honorary Professor
Arturo Dell'Acqua Bellavitis is a true Renaissance man of fashion, lifestyle and design. He is professor, architect, and honorary professor at the Politecnico di Milano, where he has also served as Dean of the Design Faculty. But that's not all - Dell'Acqua Bellavitis has also taught at universities all around the world, from Copenhagen to Melbourne, and is a founding member of the College of Design at the Polytechnic. He even started the establishment a PhD program in Interior Design.
Dell’Acqua Bellavitis has also been a driving force behind the Triennale Design Museum in Milan, where he was President and developed the concept of a museum that changes with the times. He has been a champion of new Italian design as well as design from around the world. Author of several books and international publications, he has worked on several projects in architecture in Italy and abroad.
In addition to all of his academic and professional achievements, Dell'Acqua Bellavitis has been a key promoter and the Scientific Director of Città della Moda, a visionary project launched by the City of Milan. Its legacy has seamlessly evolved into the International Institute of Fashion and Management -IIFM-, the higher education Institute where business meets creativity, and innovation shapes the future of fashion managers. Through IIFM, the pioneering spirit of Città della Moda lives on, inspiring a new generation of trailblazers to redefine the industry with bold ideas and a global outlook.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Provost is dedicated to fostering a relevant, supportive and enriching academic environment that promotes student success, intellectual growth and institution’s reputation.
The Provost directs the strategic orientation of the educational activities, with a focus on the quality and the development of the academic programs. The Provost also plays a pivotal role in the strategic planning and development of the institution's overarching academic vision, ensuring its alignment with evolving global educational standards and industry demands.
Elected by the Board of Directors from among highly esteemed individuals possessing extensive expertise in academic and educational domains, the Provost upholds the institution's commitment to the highest standards of excellence in teaching and research. The Provost is responsible for the faculty development, promoting a culture of continuous improvement in teaching methodologies and practices, enhancing the institution's academic reputation.
The Provost's tenure is established for a four-year term, with the possibility of renewal.
The Provost is dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching academic environment that promotes student success, intellectual growth, and lifelong learning.
THE DEAN AND DIRECTOR-GENERAL
NICOLA GUERINI
Dean and Director-General
nicola.guerini@iifm-milano.it
Director-General of the Italian Institute of Fashion Management. University Lecturer of Entrepreneurship & Business Planning, Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies, in graduate and undergraduate courses in Italy and abroad.
Advisor for projects of International Cooperation for Governmental Agencies and Educational Institutions all over the world, for the support of the fashion and educational systems. He is Strategic Advisor for Italian and international companies and law firms in the fashion, luxury and lifestyles industries, with a focus on the start-up of new businesses.
In 2017 he received the merit medal for the development of Italian-Latin American cooperation programs by IILA intergovernmental organization, Italian Republic, active in the field of cultural, scientific and development cooperation.
He has been visiting lecturer at several universities abroad, among which Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok), FIT – State University of New York, Mackenzie University (Brazil), Universidad Tadeo (Colombia), Villanova University (U.S.A.), and he is teaching in MBA and EMBA Programs in several universities, among which the University of Michigan, the Babson College, and Boston University.
Passionate explorer, in the last years he developed an extensive activity of international relations among Institutions all over the world for the development of professional, artisanal and industrial fashion systems, and the empowerment of young talents and the new generations of professionals.
He revamped the university education in luxury, lifestyle and fashion bringing new breath. He is an unparalleled interpreter of the mood of the moment, and he stands firm in his values.
He lives his life with enthusiasm and simplicity, an inspiring and motivational personality.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dean and Director-General drives the Institute's strategic vision and operational excellence, forging key partnerships and ensuring the highest standards of academic achievement.
The Dean and Director-General plays a central role in the strategic leadership and comprehensive management of the Institute. As the institution's primary representative, he serves as the principal liaison for relationships with University and Institutional Representatives, external organizations, governmental bodies, and private sector entities. His core mission is to cultivate and sustain academic and operational excellence of the Institute, and to foster meaningful collaborations and strategic partnerships that are fully aligned with the overarching vision and strategic objectives of the Italian Institute of Fashion Management.
He bears the responsibility for the effective and efficient implementation of policies and strategic initiatives as mandated by the Board of Directors, encompassing the coordination of institutional initiatives, the strategic optimization of operations, and the diligent monitoring of progress to ensure that the Institute's strategic goals are achieved with the highest standards of efficiency and academic excellence.
THE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS
FRANCESCA BALLARIO
Director of Academics
Director of Academics of the Italian Institute of Fashion Management, and University Lecturer for Empowerment and Career Management courses ad graduate level.
With a degree in Philosophy, she has been a driving energy in the educational sector since 2010, when she started to be appointed as Responsible for the Recrutiment – graduate level. Subsequently, she ascended to the roles of Academic Coordinator and Head of Academics, demonstrating consolidated expertise in interdisciplinary faculty coordination and leadership within the Arts & Design fields.
Today, at the helm of Academic Affairs, she leads with vision and dynamism the Institute Programs, driving Faculty hiring and development, and empowering Students. She is the architect of education infusing a fresh perspective that transcends mere content, emphasizing genuine experiential learning.
She builds bridges of knowledge with grace, and ignites passion with her presence.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Academics ensures the quality and coordinated execution of the Institute's academic programs, driving Faculty excellence and fostering academic partnerships.
The Director of Academics is the strategic leadership position ensuring the rigorous quality and cohesive coordination of the Institute’s academic undertakings. Appointed by the Board of Directors, her responsibilities include the strategic selection and diligent supervision of the Faculty and the supervision of Program Coordinators, guaranteeing excellence in pedagogical delivery and strict adherence to established academic standards.
Beyond internal academic management, the Director of Academics is tasked with cultivating and reinforcing strategic relationships with partner universities and external institutions, thereby fostering collaborative initiatives, joint projects, and academic events designed to expand opportunities for both students and Faculty.
