Francesca Bellettini Appointed President & CEO of Gucci

Kering has named Francesca Bellettini as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Gucci, underscoring the Group's commitment to revitalizing its flagship luxury House. Bellettini, one of the most respected executives in the fashion world, will report directly to Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering. This significant appointment reflects the ongoing evolution in luxury fashion leadership, building upon Kering's position among global luxury conglomerates.

A Defining Leadership Transition

Luca de Meo stated: "At this pivotal moment, I intend to build a leaner and clearer organization in which the best talent drive our Houses forward. Gucci, as the flagship of our Group, deserves the sharpest focus, and Francesca — one of the most seasoned and respected professionals in our industry — will bring the leadership and flawless execution needed to restore the brand to its rightful place."

With Gucci representing the soul of Kering, the appointment signals a renewed focus on brand clarity, execution, and creative excellence. This move reflects Kering's strategic approach, as seen in their previous initiatives like establishing testing labs in Tuscany and their commitment to going fur-free officially.

Francesca Bellettini on Her New Role

Sharing her vision, Francesca Bellettini said: "I am truly honored to take on direct responsibility for Gucci, one of the world's most iconic luxury Houses. I look forward to working under the leadership of Luca de Meo, whose innovative and fresh perspective inspires us to push boundaries. I'm excited to embark on this new challenge together with the whole Gucci team and alongside Demna, whose creativity I have always admired."

A Strategic Move for Kering

As part of the leadership shift:

• Jean-Marc Duplaix will continue as Kering's Group COO, supporting Luca de Meo.
• The role of Deputy CEO will be eliminated to streamline the Group's structure.

This restructuring reflects Kering's ambition to accelerate growth and strengthen leadership across its Houses. The strategic approach aligns with broader trends in luxury fashion leadership appointments, similar to other major moves like Adidas appointing Alasdhair Willis as Chief Creative Officer.

Francesca Bellettini: A Proven Luxury Leader

Francesca Bellettini brings over two decades of experience in global luxury fashion. Her journey includes:

• Strategic Planning Director at Gucci (2003)
• Worldwide Merchandising & Communications Director at Bottega Veneta (2010)
• President & CEO of Saint Laurent (2013), where she spearheaded one of the industry's most successful turnarounds
• Deputy CEO of Kering in charge of Brand Development (2023)

Beginning her career as an investment banker in London, Bellettini also held leadership roles at Prada and Helmut Lang, blending financial acumen with creative brand management. Her extensive experience with Bottega Veneta's brand legacy and successful transformation of Saint Laurent positions her uniquely for this role, especially given Saint Laurent's innovative approaches under her leadership.

About Gucci's Parent: Kering

Kering is a global luxury powerhouse with a portfolio that includes Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, Qeelin, Ginori 1735, along with Kering Eyewear and Kering Beauté. The conglomerate's diverse portfolio includes brands with rich heritage stories, such as Balenciaga's remarkable brand story.

In 2024, Kering employed 47,000 people worldwide and generated revenues of €17.2 billion, reinforcing its position as a leader in luxury fashion and lifestyle. This appointment comes at a time when luxury brands are increasingly focused on innovation, as seen with initiatives like Gucci's AR technology partnerships, demonstrating the brand's commitment to blending tradition with technological advancement.