On October 8, the French luxury group Kering announced that Stefano Cantino would be appointed CEO of Gucci, effective January 1, 2025. Cantino joined Gucci as Deputy CEO in May 2024, and with this promotion, he will now lead one of the world’s top fashion brands.
Cantino will report directly to Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO of Kering in charge of Brand Development, and will also serve as a member of Kering’s Executive Committee. His predecessor, Jean-François Palus, was appointed CEO in July 2023 and focused on laying the groundwork for Gucci’s next chapter. During Palus’s tenure, Gucci underwent a large-scale restructuring aimed at securing the brand’s future, including recruiting new talent. Cantino’s appointment marks the culmination of these efforts.
Bellettini expressed her gratitude to Palus, stating, “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.”
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, added, “I wholeheartedly thank Jean-François for his achievements at the helm of Gucci since summer 2023. Over a particularly challenging period, he made the courageous decisions the House needed, and built sound foundations for a renewed Gucci to flourish again under the stewardship of Stefano.” Pinault also acknowledged his long-standing close cooperation with Palus over the years.
Before joining Gucci as Deputy CEO in May 2024, Cantino spent five years overseeing communications and image strategy at Louis Vuitton. Prior to that, he worked for the Prada Group for 20 years, gaining extensive experience in marketing and commercial roles. A graduate of the University of Turin with a degree in Political Science, Cantino has consistently demonstrated his ability to grow brands through a creative perspective throughout his career in the fashion industry.
With this new role, all eyes are on how Cantino will guide Gucci to new heights. In 2023, Gucci appointed Sabato De Sarno as the new Creative Director, following the departure of Alessandro Michele, bringing a fresh mood to the brand. However, Gucci’s first half of 2024 saw a significant decline in revenue, with operating profits plummeting by 44%.