French luxury conglomerate Kering has announced key leadership changes, naming Cédric Charbit as the new CEO of Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Gianangeli as the CEO of Balenciaga, effective 2 January 2025. These appointments represent a calculated move to strengthen the company’s standing in the competitive luxury fashion industry, reflecting its strategic focus on growth, sustainability, and innovation.
Cédric Charbit’s New Role at Saint Laurent
Cédric Charbit, who has been pivotal as Balenciaga’s CEO since 2016, will now lead Saint Laurent. During his tenure at Balenciaga, Charbit transformed the brand into one of Kering’s top performers, even amidst controversies that tested the brand’s resilience. His new role at Saint Laurent entails leveraging his experience to bolster the Parisian fashion house’s global appeal while maintaining its timeless sophistication.
Charbit’s career within Kering began in 2012 as a product strategy director at Saint Laurent, making this transition a homecoming of sorts. His success at Balenciaga, which saw substantial revenue growth under his leadership, underscores his capability to steer Saint Laurent into an era of sustainable and innovative expansion.
Gianfranco Gianangeli: A Visionary for Balenciaga
Taking the helm at Balenciaga is Gianfranco Gianangeli, formerly the Chief Commercial Officer at Saint Laurent. His extensive background in luxury, including leadership roles at Maison Margiela, Givenchy, and Prada, positions him as an ideal candidate to sustain and expand Balenciaga’s avant-garde reputation.
Known for his expertise in retail strategy and brand expansion, Gianangeli aims to solidify Balenciaga’s presence in emerging markets while continuing its innovative legacy. His appointment is also expected to enhance Balenciaga’s balance between high fashion and streetwear, catering to the evolving preferences of modern consumers.
A Strategic Reorganization at Kering
These leadership changes are part of Kering’s broader strategy to refocus and realign its luxury brands for long-term growth. Francesca Bellettini, who has served as Saint Laurent’s CEO and concurrently as Kering’s Deputy CEO for Brand Development, will now dedicate herself entirely to the latter role. This restructuring is designed to streamline operations, offering clearer oversight across Kering’s portfolio, which includes iconic brands like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Alexander McQueen.
The reorganisation comes at a critical time, as the luxury sector faces economic challenges and shifting consumer demands. Kering’s proactive approach aims to mitigate these pressures while enhancing brand differentiation and global reach. Analysts view these changes positively, suggesting they will help address the operational and strategic complexities of managing high-profile fashion houses.
Kering’s Broader Vision: Balancing Heritage and Innovation
Under the leadership of François-Henri Pinault, Kering continues to prioritise sustainability and innovation across its operations. The group’s commitment to environmentally conscious practices and cutting-edge creativity underpins these appointments, ensuring both Saint Laurent and Balenciaga remain competitive while staying true to their identities.
Kering’s performance in recent years has reflected a mix of successes and challenges. With flagship brands like Gucci experiencing headwinds, the group is looking to diversify its portfolio’s resilience. These CEO appointments signal a renewed focus on brand stewardship, customer engagement, and market expansion.
Implications for the Luxury Industry
The appointments of Charbit and Gianangeli mark a pivotal moment for Kering, underscoring its adaptability in a fast-evolving market. As both CEOs bring distinct expertise to their new roles, they are poised to redefine the trajectories of two of the world’s most influential fashion houses. Their leadership will be closely watched as Kering seeks to further its legacy as a leader in luxury, bridging tradition with modernity.
By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and strategic leadership, Kering is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the luxury landscape in the years ahead【6】【7】【8】.
Article By : Mid Atlantic Biz
Citations and References
- Inside Retail Australia: Coverage of the leadership appointments at Kering, detailing Cédric Charbit’s transition to Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Gianangeli’s appointment at Balenciaga. This article highlights their professional backgrounds and Kering’s broader strategic goals. Inside Retail Australiatps://insideretail.com.au/sectors/kering-names-new-ceos-for-saint-laurent-balenciaga-202411).
- CEO Today Magazine: A comprehensive report on Gianfranco Gianangeli’s career trajectory and visiCEO Today Magazinento Kering’s focus on sustainability and innovation. [Explore more at CEO Today Magazine](https://www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2024/11/kering-announces-major-leadership-changes-at-saint-laurent-and-balenciaga-a-new-era-for-luxury-fashi​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}ng’s leadership restructuring, including expert commentary on Francesca Bellettini’s transition to a dedicated brand development role and the anticipated impacts on the company’s operations. Access the full article at Fashion Dive.
