The fashion group Kering has announced a new CEO for the Gucci brand: Stefane Cantino succeeds the departing Jean-François Palus. Cantino has been active in a leading position since May 2024: At that time, he joined the company as deputy CEO. He will now succeed Jean-François Palus from January 1, 2025 and will have a seat on Kering’s Executive Committee. In future he will report to Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO and responsible for brand development. Cantino looks back on a history with companies such as Louis Vuitton and Prada.
“I am very grateful to Jean-François for his commitment and loyalty to Gucci during this transition period,” says Bellettini. Palus was named CEO of Gucci in July 2023. His main tasks were to “create the foundations for the next chapter of Gucci” and to fill important positions. “I am confident that Stefano and the Gucci team, building on what has been built over the last 15 months, will be successful in returning Gucci to the top position the brand deserves.”
The CEO and Chairman of Kering, François-Henri Pinault, also commented on the change: “I would like to thank Jean-François from the bottom of my heart for his achievements at the helm of Gucci since the summer of 2023. He made the courageous decisions in a particularly difficult time met what the house needed and created a solid foundation for a renewed Gucci that will thrive again under Stefano’s leadership. I would also like to acknowledge Jean-François’s close and constant collaboration with me over the last 30 years, which has been truly invaluable.”
