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.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
