Luxury conglomerate Kering has named Stefano Cantino CEO of the Gucci brand, according to a press release Tuesday.
Cantino will step into the role on Jan. 1, 2025. He succeeds Jean-François Palus, Kering’s managing director, who held the role in an interim position since the brand’s former president and CEO Marco Bizzarri stepped down last year. Palus was charged with setting up the foundation of the brand’s “next chapter,” which included naming a new CEO.
Cantino joined Gucci in May as deputy CEO, a newly created position for the brand. At the time, the company said Cantino would help Gucci with its “new chapter that we are currently writing for the House with determination and long-term vision.”
In his new role, Cantino will report to Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s deputy CEO of brand development.
“I am deeply grateful to Jean-François for his dedication and loyalty to Gucci over this transitional period,” Belletini said in the release. “I am confident that, building on what has been set up over the past 15 months, Stefano and the Gucci team will succeed in the mission to take Gucci back to the leadership the brand deserves.”
Prior to joining Gucci, Cantino worked for rival luxury fashion conglomerate LVMH, where he oversaw communication and brand image for Louis Vuitton. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years with the Prada Group, holding multiple marketing and commercial department roles.
The news comes as Kering has been experiencing shaky financial results. Gucci, its largest brand, saw its recurring operating income decline 44% during the first half of 2024, and its revenue fell 20% during the same period.
