It seems like the winds of change are sweeping through Kering once again. The luxury powerhouse has announced a major leadership shake-up, and trust us, the names involved are some of the biggest players in the fashion game. Kering, the luxury powerhouse behind brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent, is once again making headlines with a bold new leadership lineup.
The drama unfolds as Cédric Charbit, current CEO of Balenciaga, is set to take over as CEO of Saint Laurent, succeeding the iconic Francesca Bellettini. Meanwhile, Gianfranco Gianangeli will step up as the new CEO of Balenciaga. Both appointments take effect on January 2, 2025, and all roads lead back to Bellettini, who is taking on an even bigger role as Kering’s deputy CEO in charge of brand development.
This isn’t the first time Kering has made waves recently. Just last month, they announced Stefano Cantino as the new CEO of Gucci, also effective January 2. Clearly, Kering is shaking up its leadership for the long haul.
But why all the changes? It’s all part of a grand strategy. Bellettini will now focus on overseeing Kering’s entire portfolio of fashion, leather goods, and jewelry houses, while Jean-Marc Duplaix, Kering’s deputy CEO and COO, ensures smooth operations across the board.
According to Kering chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault, “We have the right leadership team in place to address current industry challenges and set the pace for long-term growth.”
Let’s take a closer look at the big players in this reshuffle:
Cédric Charbit: The Balenciaga Mastermind Returns to Saint Laurent
Charbit is no stranger to Saint Laurent—it’s a homecoming for him. Starting his fashion career at Printemps in 2001, Charbit worked his way up through the industry, holding key roles at Pucci and later joining Saint Laurent in 2012 as Product Strategy Director. Over the next five years, he became a crucial figure in the brand, rising to Executive Vice President.
In 2016, he was appointed President and CEO of Balenciaga, where he didn’t just lead the brand; he transformed it. Under Charbit’s leadership, Balenciaga expanded its global presence and reintroduced its Haute Couture line in 2020 after a 50-year hiatus—a move that sent ripples through the fashion world.
With this rich experience under his belt, Charbit is now set to bring his visionary leadership back to Saint Laurent. Bellettini herself said, “Cédric is exceptionally prepared to drive the continued growth and success of Saint Laurent.”
Gianfranco Gianangeli Takes the Lead at Balenciaga
While Charbit takes over at Saint Laurent, Gianfranco Gianangeli will step into the spotlight as Balenciaga’s CEO. Gianangeli has a stellar resume that reads like a who’s who of luxury fashion. Starting his career at Bottega Veneta in 2006, he later held major roles at Prada and Givenchy, before taking the entrepreneurial leap in 2017 to lead his family’s knitwear company, Gianangeli Srl.
In 2020, he returned to the luxury scene as CEO of Maison Margiela, where he masterfully balanced artistic innovation with commercial growth. Most recently, Gianangeli served as Chief Commercial Officer of Saint Laurent, a role he’s held since September 2023.
Bellettini has full confidence in Gianangeli, describing him as having “extensive expertise and vision” that will elevate Balenciaga even further.
What Kering’s Leadership Shake-Up Means for the Future of Luxury Fashion
Kering is clearly laying the groundwork for a new era in luxury. Kering is a global powerhouse in the world of luxury, renowned for managing and nurturing some of the most iconic names in Fashion, Leather Goods, and Jewelry. With a portfolio that includes Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Qeelin, and Ginori 1735, the group is a force to be reckoned with. In addition, Kering oversees Kering Eyewear and the newly established Kering Beauté, expanding its influence across the luxury spectrum.
At the heart of Kering’s strategy lies a commitment to creativity and innovation. The group empowers its brands—known as “Houses”—to push the boundaries of creative expression while remaining firmly rooted in their heritage and unique identities. From trailblazing designs to groundbreaking sustainability efforts, Kering is shaping the future of luxury. But it’s not just about creating stunning collections. Kering is dedicated to crafting tomorrow’s luxury responsibly. Sustainability is woven into its mission, ensuring that the group’s growth aligns with environmental stewardship and ethical practices.
Pinault’s vision for Kering is ambitious: “By placing creativity at the heart of our strategy, we aim to set new limits in terms of creative expression while crafting tomorrow’s luxury in a sustainable and responsible way.”
As Kering’s leadership shake-up takes effect in 2025, eyes will be on Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Gucci to see how their new leadership teams steer the brands into the future. Will they break boundaries or stick to tradition? One thing is certain—the luxury fashion industry is in for an exciting ride
