Luca de Meo, who revitalized the French automotive company, will be Kering’s savior. His arrival at the luxury group, revealed this weekend by Le Figaro, was confirmed this evening. The Italian businessman is set to take over as CEO, replacing François-Henri Pinault, who will remain Chairman.
Luca de Meo, 58, is the next CEO of Kering.
The luxury group confirmed this evening the information revealed this weekend by Le Figaro, namely the arrival of the current head of Renault as its new CEO.
The CEO of the car manufacturer, who successfully turned the company around, is therefore the man tipped to also turn around Kering.
A major step
“This decision, taken by François-Henri Pinault, marks a major step in the evolution of Kering’s governance and strengthens the Group’s leadership in this new phase of its development,” the group explained in a statement.
“These changes will take effect by decision of the Board of Directors at the end of the General Meeting to be convened on September 9, 2025, which will be called upon to appoint Luca de Meo as a director and approve the compensation policy corresponding to this new organization. Subject to these approvals, Luca de Meo will take up his duties on September 15, 2025,“ the group added.
”After twenty years of transforming Kering into a major global luxury player, the group is ready for a new stage in its development. In 2023, I began reflecting on the evolution of the Group’s governance. It was in this context that I met Luca de Meo. His experience at the helm of a listed international group, his keen understanding of brands, and his sense of a strong and respectful corporate culture convinced me that he was the leader I was looking for to bring a new vision and steer this chapter in our Group’s history. It is with complete confidence that I am handing over the reins of Kering and our teams to him. I will of course be at his side to support him in this new phase, as Chairman of the Kering Board.” said François-Henri Pinault.
After thanking François-Henri Pinault and the Board of Directors for choosing him to lead this new stage in the Group’s development, Luca de Meo said he was approaching “this new professional challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity and confidence, driven by the strength of the brands and the expertise of the teams.” “Together, I am convinced that we will continue to make Kering a key player in the luxury sector,” he added.
New challenges
The automotive group had already confirmed on Sunday, June 15, that Luca de Meo was leaving the group on July 15, stating that he would be “taking on new challenges” outside the automotive sector.
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Read also > Kering: François-Henri Pinault could step down as CEO while remaining chairman
Featured image: © Ampere
