By creating this new role—which combines several functions and is entrusted to an expert—the group aims to accelerate its technological transformation. This is part of a sweeping overhaul of the group under the leadership of Luca de Meo, the former CEO of Renault, whose strategic priorities will be detailed in mid-April during Capital Markets Day.
The conditions for the emergence of a new Kering continue to take shape under the leadership of Luca de Meo.
And the former Renault CEO is once again turning to talent from the automotive firm to revitalize the luxury group he has led since September.
New hire from Renault
The appointment, effective immediately, of Pierre Houlès as Kering’s Chief Digital, AI, and IT Officer, and his inclusion on the Executive Committee, has just been announced. Since 2019, he has served as CEO of Renault Digital and deputy CIO of the group.
Prior to this, Luca de Meo had already selected Thomas Cuntz and Philippine de Schonen—formerly Vice President of Talent Management and Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Investor Relations, respectively, at Renault—to lead talent development and employee engagement for the former and investor relations for the latter.
The role of Pierre Houlès, who reports to Jean-Marc Duplaix, Kering’s Chief Operating Officer, will be key to the success of the group’s transformation. The creation of his position, which combines several functions, is indeed significant from both an organizational and strategic standpoint.
The newcomer’s mission will be to “strengthen the Group’s digital strategy and accelerate the transformation of its technology architecture,” all “to support” its “operational and technological ambition,” explains Kering’s press release.
Expertise in Transformation
“He will thus help build a model that fully integrates innovations to enhance the performance and desirability of the Houses,” the statement notes.
The Group believes that “Pierre Houlès’ expertise in large-scale transformation, the integration of complex systems, and the application of emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—will be crucial to accelerating the development of a more integrated, innovative, and resolutely forward-looking Group.”
While Pierre Houlès is new to the luxury sector, his background does indeed demonstrate his expertise and ability to thrive in diverse industries.
After graduating in 2003 from the computer engineering school EPITA and from the Sorbonne Business School in 2004, Pierre Houlès began his career from 2004 to 2011 at Capgemini, where he led major transformation projects before joining the CANAL+ group in 2012 as Chief Information Officer. In 2016, he joined the Renault Group to lead its digital transformation. In 2019, he was appointed CEO of Renault Digital and Deputy Chief Information Officer of the group. He also served as Technical Director for the Mobilize and Dacia brands.
Prochain Capital Markets
Pierre Houlès’ arrival comes one month ahead of Kering’s detailed presentation on April 16, during its Capital Markets Day, of the changes to its strategy and organization.
It follows several measures aimed at a profound transformation of the luxury group: the announcement last October of the sale of its Beauty division to the L’Oréal group; more recently, in early March, the deployment of two centers of excellence (Industry and Client) to improve operational efficiency; and finally, the creation of a “new segmentation of its activities,” with the establishment of a new entity, Kering Joaillerie, a few days ago.
Read more > Kering reorganizes and creates a jewelry entity
Featured photo: © Kering
