Gucci parent company Kering confirms Luca de Meo as new CEO

Gucci parent company Kering confirms Luca de Meo as new CEO

The French daily newspaper Le Figaro had already reported on this a few days ago, and now the luxury goods group Kering has officially confirmed it: After 20 years at the helm of Kering, François-Henri Pinault will be replaced as CEO.

The announcement states that the Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Luca de Meo as CEO of the Group. Pinault, who initiated the decision, chairs the board. Furthermore, the roles of Chairman and CEO have been separated as part of a revised governance structure.

If the general meeting of the French listed company Kering approves this on September 9, 2025, Luca de Meo will take up his position as CEO on September 15.

Yesterday, after five years at the helm of the Renault Group, De Meo surprisingly announced his resignation in mid-July to pursue new challenges outside the automotive industry.

With Gucci as the Kering Group's problem child, he faces a similar challenge to that faced during his time at Renault. Taken over as a restructuring case, his track record at the automaker is positive. Business at the company, based in Boulogne-Billancourt, south of Paris, is doing well – in contrast to other Western automotive groups.

Sales of Gucci, Kering’s most important brand, amounted to around 24 percent below previous year and in the Gucci's watch division 21 employees were just laid off.

Long lead time for leadership change at Kering

François-Henri Pinault commented: "After twenty years of transforming Kering into a leading global luxury company, the Group is ready for a new phase of development. Starting in 2023, I began considering the further development of the Group's leadership. It was in this context that I met Luca de Meo. His experience at the helm of an internationally listed company, his strong understanding of brands, and his flair for a strong and respectful corporate culture convinced me that he was the leader I was looking for to realize a new vision and shape this chapter in our Group's history."

Luca de Meo said: "I would like to thank François-Henri Pinault and the Executive Board for choosing me to lead Kering into this new phase of development. I approach this new professional challenge with enthusiasm, zeal, and confidence, inspired by the strength of the Group's brands and the expertise of its people."