Former Saint Laurent CEO to restore momentum at Kering’s flagship brand
Kering has named Francesca Bellettini as president and chief executive officer of Gucci, tasking her with revitalizing the Italian luxury house amid a difficult market for the sector. The appointment, confirmed after the close of trading in Paris, marks the first major move by new Kering CEO Luca de Meo, who took office this week after leading Renault through a turnaround.
“Gucci, as the flagship of our group, deserves the sharpest focus, and Francesca — one of the most seasoned and respected professionals in our industry — will bring the leadership and flawless execution needed to restore the brand to its rightful place,” de Meo said in a statement.
Bellettini, previously Kering deputy CEO for brand development and long-time head of Saint Laurent, called the role “a true honor,” adding that she looks forward to working closely with de Meo and Gucci creative director Demna, who will present his first collection for the house on September 24 during Milan Fashion Week.
Her appointment follows the departure of Stefano Cantino, who had been CEO of Gucci since January 2025 and leaves after less than a year in the role. Bellettini becomes the fourth executive to lead the brand in just two years, following Marco Bizzarri, Jean-François Palus, and Cantino.
Industry observers view Bellettini as a strategic leader with a proven track record. At Saint Laurent, she partnered first with Hedi Slimane and later Anthony Vaccarello, scaling the business roughly sixfold and solidifying its profitability. Analysts and headhunters alike point to her ability to balance creative freedom with financial discipline and her reputation for collaborative leadership.
For Gucci, her immediate challenges include stabilizing the brand, sharpening its creative language for new generations, and rebuilding desirability through disciplined distribution and a renewed focus on product icons. Equity analysts have expressed optimism about the dual leadership of Bellettini and de Meo, with HSBC and Bernstein both noting that Kering’s restructuring could accelerate positive momentum despite current volatility in the luxury sector.
Executive search specialists argue Bellettini’s combination of strategic vision, operational rigor, and sensitivity to market shifts make her well positioned to guide Gucci through its next chapter. With de Meo steering Kering’s broader strategy and Bellettini overseeing Gucci’s turnaround alongside Demna, expectations are high for a revival of the group’s most important brand.