Kering Appoints Stefano Cantino as CEO of Gucci, Succeeding Jean-François Palus
Key Takeaways:
•New Leadership at Gucci: Stefano Cantino will assume the role of CEO at Gucci starting January 2025, succeeding Jean-François Palus.
•Executive Transition: Cantino joined Gucci in May 2024 as Deputy CEO and will now take a seat on Kering’s Executive Committee.
•Palus’s Tenure: Jean-François Palus led Gucci through a transitional phase and restructuring since July 2023.
•Kering’s Confidence: Both Francesca Bellettini and François-Henri Pinault expressed confidence in Cantino’s ability to lead Gucci back to its prominent position in the luxury market.
Kering has named Stefano Cantino as the new CEO of Gucci, effective January 1, 2025, marking a pivotal leadership change for the Italian luxury house. Cantino, who joined Gucci as Deputy CEO in May 2024, will step into the role following Jean-François Palus’s departure after nearly two years as CEO. He will also take a place on Kering’s Executive Committee and will report directly to Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO in charge of brand development.
Palus, who became Gucci’s CEO in July 2023, led the brand through a period of transition and restructuring, laying the groundwork for the brand’s renewed focus. Under his leadership, Gucci sought to rebuild its identity in the competitive luxury landscape.
Bellettini, reflecting on Palus’s contributions, expressed gratitude for his service, noting that his efforts during this transitional phase have created a strong foundation for Gucci’s next chapter. She voiced confidence in Cantino’s leadership, stating that the groundwork set by Palus will allow Cantino and the Gucci team to restore the brand to its former leadership position in the luxury market.
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, echoed these sentiments, praising Palus for his brave decisions and unwavering collaboration throughout his time at Gucci and his three-decade career with Kering. Pinault acknowledged Palus’s efforts in guiding Gucci through a challenging period and expressed his trust in Cantino to further the brand’s evolution.
As Gucci enters 2025, the brand is poised to focus on further strengthening its global presence under Cantino’s leadership, ensuring that it remains a key player in the ever-evolving luxury sector.