MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEO
Luca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.
Kering has named former automotive executive Luca de Meo as its new CEO.
Paris—Kering has named Luca de Meo as its new CEO as longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault steps down.
Kering’s board of directors, chaired by Pinault, approved the appointment.
The Milan native has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, working with several well-known companies and brands, including Renault, Toyota Europe, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, and Audi.
Most recently, he served as CEO of French automaker Renault as well as CEO of Ampere, which specializes in zero-emission and software-defined vehicles. He was also president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.
A shareholder meeting will be held on Sept. 9 to affirm De Meo’s appointment and approve his compensation. Subject to approval, he will take on the role of CEO on Sept. 15.
The move was initiated by Pinault, said Kering, and “marks a decisive step in the evolution of Kering's governance and strengthens the group's leadership as it enters a new phase of its development.”
Pinault will remain in his role as chairman of the board. This role will be separated from the CEO position as part of a new governance structure, said the company.
Related stories will be right here …
Kering’s board of directors, chaired by Pinault, approved the appointment.
The Milan native has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, working with several well-known companies and brands, including Renault, Toyota Europe, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, and Audi.
Most recently, he served as CEO of French automaker Renault as well as CEO of Ampere, which specializes in zero-emission and software-defined vehicles. He was also president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.
A shareholder meeting will be held on Sept. 9 to affirm De Meo’s appointment and approve his compensation. Subject to approval, he will take on the role of CEO on Sept. 15.
The move was initiated by Pinault, said Kering, and “marks a decisive step in the evolution of Kering's governance and strengthens the group's leadership as it enters a new phase of its development.”
Pinault will remain in his role as chairman of the board. This role will be separated from the CEO position as part of a new governance structure, said the company.
"After twenty years of transforming Kering into a major global luxury player, the group is ready for a new stage in its development,” said Pinault.
Pinault said he had begun to rethink the company’s governance in 2023 and later met de Meo.
“His experience at the helm of an international listed group, his sharp understanding of brands, and his sense of a strong and respectful corporate culture convinced me that he is the leader I was looking for to bring a new vision and steer this chapter in our group's history,” said Pinault.
“It is with complete confidence that I am handing over the leadership of Kering and our teams to Luca. I will of course be at his side to accompany him in this new phase, as chairman of the board of Kering.”
Pinault took over as CEO in 2005 when the company was known as PPR, short for Pinault Printemps Redoute. The company started going by Kering in 2013, as per its website.
De Meo thanked Pinault and the board of directors for choosing him as Kering’s next leader.
“I am approaching this new professional challenge with enthusiasm, eagerness, and confidence, inspired by the strength of the group’s brands and the expertise of its people,” said de Meo.
“I am convinced that together we will continue to make Kering an essential player in the luxury industry.”
During his five-year tenure as CEO of Renault, de Meo is credited with turning the company around, as per a Reuters report.
Kering is facing struggles of its own. While its jewelry brands, which include Boucheron and Pomellato, have performed well in recent quarters, its star brand Gucci continues to struggle and weigh on its balance sheet.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate CollectionThe collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for PeaceIts second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam PharmaThe diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’sThe private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
