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
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las VegasFollowing visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ CouplesThe “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education ConferenceThe one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias GabrielThe foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
