French luxury goods company Kering has strengthened the management team of its renowned label Gucci by appointing Stefano Cantino as its new CEO. To assume office in Jan’25, Cantino will succeed Jean-Francois Palus who was appointed as the CEO last year to oversee a period of transition at the label, which lagged behind rivals during the pandemic.

Having joined Gucci in May 2024 as the brand’s Deputy CEO, Cantino was earlier engaged with the LVMH-owned label Louis Vuitton for a period of five years as the head of its Image and Communications division. Armed with over 20 years of experience in the communication and marketing roles at Prada, Cantino will also join Kering's Executive Committee as its board member.

Accounting for half of the group’s sales and two thirds of its profit, Gucci is currently been revamped by Kering under the leadership of Sabato de Sarno, Art Director. However, the current downturn in the global luxury market along with the delayed rebound in China continues to pose challenges for the brand.