Editor’s Note
Kering has appointed Deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini as President and CEO of Gucci, reporting directly to Group CEO Luca de Meo. This leadership change ends Stefano Cantino’s brief tenure after nine months.
Kering announced on September 18 (French time) the appointment of Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gucci.
She will lead the brand’s management directly under Kering’s new CEO, Luca de Meo. The management regime led by former CEO Stefano Cantino, who was promoted from Deputy CEO effective January 1, will end after just nine months.
Francesca Bellettini began her career as an investment banker in London. She worked in the Business Planning & Development department of the Prada Group before serving as Operations Manager for HELMUT LANG. She joined Kering in 2003. After serving as Gucci’s Strategic Planning Director and Associate Director of Global Merchandising, she joined BOTTEGA VENETA in 2008 and was appointed Global Merchandising & Communication Director in 2010. In 2013, she became President and CEO of SAINT LAURENT. Since September 2023, she has served as Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development.
Despite being Kering’s flagship business, Gucci’s performance has been sluggish, making a turnaround urgent.
Former Creative Director Sabato De Sarno left the position after just four seasons. In the new Gucci era now beginning, Demna will lead creation as the new Artistic Director.
This leadership change at Gucci is also seen as being influenced by Luca de Meo’s appointment as Kering CEO. Regarding her appointment as President and CEO, Bellettini commented:
As part of the new structure, the role of Deputy CEO at Kering has been abolished. Jean-Marc Duplaix, who served as Deputy CEO in charge of Operations and Finance, will continue to support Luca de Meo as Kering’s Group Chief Operating Officer (COO).
