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The conditions for the emergence of a new Kering<\/b> continue to take shape under the leadership of Luca de Meo<\/b>.<\/p>\n
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And the former Renault CEO<\/b> is once again turning to talent from the automotive firm to revitalize the luxury group he has led since September.<\/p>\n
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The appointment, effective immediately, of Pierre Houl\u00e8s as Kering\u2019s 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<\/b> and deputy CIO of the group.<\/b><\/p>\n
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Prior to this, Luca de Meo had already selected Thomas Cuntz<\/b> and Philippine de Schonen<\/b>\u2014formerly Vice President of Talent Management and Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Investor Relations, respectively, at Renault<\/b>\u2014to lead talent development and employee engagement for the former and investor relations for the latter<\/b>.<\/p>\n
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The role of Pierre Houl\u00e8s, who reports to Jean-Marc Duplaix, Kering\u2019s Chief Operating Officer<\/b>, will be key to the success<\/b> of the group\u2019s transformation. The creation of his position, which combines several functions<\/b>, is indeed significant from both an organizational and strategic standpoint.<\/p>\n
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The newcomer\u2019s mission will be to \u201cstrengthen the Group\u2019s digital strategy and accelerate the transformation of its technology architecture<\/b>,\u201d all \u201cto support\u201d its \u201coperational and technological ambition,\u201d explains Kering\u2019s press release.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHe will thus help build a model that fully integrates innovations<\/b> to enhance the performance and desirability of the Houses,\u201d the statement notes.<\/p>\n
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The Group believes that \u201cPierre Houl\u00e8s\u2019 expertise in large-scale transformation<\/b>, the integration of complex systems, and the application of emerging technologies\u2014particularly artificial intelligence\u2014will be crucial to accelerating the development of a more integrated, innovative, and resolutely forward-looking Group.\u201d<\/p>\n
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While Pierre Houl\u00e8s is new to the luxury sector, his background does indeed demonstrate his expertise and ability to thrive in diverse industries.<\/p>\n
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After graduating in 2003 from the computer engineering school EPITA<\/b> and from the Sorbonne Business School<\/b> in 2004, Pierre Houl\u00e8s began his career from 2004 to 2011 at Capgemini<\/b>, where he led major transformation projects before joining the CANAL+<\/b> group in 2012 as Chief Information Officer. In 2016, he joined the Renault<\/b> 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<\/b> and Dacia<\/b> brands.<\/p>\n
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Pierre Houl\u00e8s\u2019 arrival comes one month ahead of Kering\u2019s detailed presentation on April 16, during its Capital Markets Day,<\/b> of the changes to its strategy and organization.<\/p>\n
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It follows several measures aimed at a profound transformation of the luxury group: the announcement last October of the sale of its Beauty division<\/b> to the L’Or\u00e9al<\/b> group; more recently, in early March, the deployment of two centers of excellence (Industry and Client)<\/b> to improve operational efficiency; and finally, the creation of a \u201cnew segmentation of its activities<\/b>,\u201d with the establishment of a new entity, Kering Joaillerie<\/b>, a few days ago.<\/p>\n
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