Kering Names New CEOs for Saint Laurent and Balenciaga

Kering Announces Major Leadership Changes at Saint Laurent and Balenciaga: A New Era for Luxury Fashion

In an exciting and strategic move that will redefine the future of luxury fashion, Kering has unveiled key leadership changes at two of its most iconic brands: Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. Effective January 2, 2025, Cédric Charbit, the current CEO of Balenciaga, will be appointed the new CEO of Saint Laurent, while Gianfranco Gianangeli, former Chief Commercial Officer at Saint Laurent, will step into the role of CEO at Balenciaga. These appointments signal a bold reimagining of leadership at Kering’s flagship fashion houses and a renewed focus on innovation, creativity, and global expansion.

Both Charbit and Gianangeli will report directly to Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO responsible for Brand Development. In this role, Bellettini will continue to oversee Kering’s portfolio of luxury brands, including the company’s distinguished Fashion, Leather Goods, and Jewelry Houses. The new leadership structure is designed to enhance the brands’ growth trajectories and navigate the competitive challenges of the luxury market.

Cédric Charbit: A Visionary Leader Poised for Saint Laurent’s Next Chapter

Cédric Charbit’s promotion to CEO of Saint Laurent marks a pivotal moment in his distinguished career. Having joined Kering in 2012 as Product Strategy Director for Saint Laurent, Charbit’s deep understanding of the brand’s DNA has been key to its sustained success. In 2016, he moved to Balenciaga, where his leadership transformed the brand into a global powerhouse, attracting a new generation of luxury consumers while reinvigorating its Haute Couture division.

Under Charbit’s guidance, Balenciaga’s reputation soared, thanks to a rebranding strategy that balanced heritage with modernity and a bold, sometimes controversial, approach to design. His success at Balenciaga was built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of fashion, making him the perfect candidate to take on Saint Laurent, a brand renowned for its sleek, Parisian chic aesthetic.

At Saint Laurent, Charbit faces the challenge of leading one of Kering’s most important brands, known for its timeless appeal and cutting-edge fashion. Charbit’s task will be to maintain the brand’s iconic identity while exploring new growth opportunities, including potential expansions into emerging markets and continued digital innovation. His track record at Balenciaga suggests he is more than capable of balancing heritage with innovation to elevate Saint Laurent to even greater heights.

Gianfranco Gianangeli: The Strategic Mind Behind Balenciaga’s Next Chapter

Gianfranco Gianangeli’s appointment as CEO of Balenciaga signals a new era for the brand. Gianangeli brings a wealth of experience in the luxury industry, having worked at prestigious brands like Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Givenchy before becoming the CEO of Maison Margiela. His strategic expertise spans merchandising, retail, and brand expansion, and he’s widely recognized for his ability to grow luxury brands while preserving their distinctiveness.

Before moving to Balenciaga, Gianangeli was the Chief Commercial Officer at Saint Laurent, where he played a critical role in expanding the brand’s global presence. His deep knowledge of Saint Laurent’s commercial operations, combined with his vast industry experience, positions him as the perfect leader to continue the brand’s upward trajectory. As he takes over at Balenciaga, Gianangeli’s goal will be to build on Charbit’s successes, expanding the brand’s international footprint and enhancing its reputation as one of the most daring and innovative fashion houses in the world.

Balenciaga’s bold, avant-garde designs have consistently pushed the envelope, and under Gianangeli’s leadership, the brand is expected to further cement its status as a frontrunner in the luxury fashion space. Gianangeli is set to focus on broadening Balenciaga’s appeal, especially in new markets, and maintaining its position at the intersection of high fashion and streetwear culture. With his extensive background in brand management and commercial growth, Gianangeli’s appointment is poised to keep Balenciaga at the forefront of the fashion industry.

Kering’s Strategic Vision: A New Era of Creativity and Growth

These leadership changes are part of Kering’s broader strategy to strengthen its luxury portfolio and position its brands for sustainable, long-term growth. As the luxury market evolves and consumer preferences shift, Kering has identified the need for dynamic leadership that understands both the creative and business imperatives of the fashion world. The appointments of Charbit and Gianangeli are designed to ensure Kering’s brands remain at the cutting edge of innovation while continuing to honor their heritage.

Francesca Bellettini, who has been instrumental in Kering’s growth, will now focus exclusively on Brand Development across the group’s portfolio of luxury houses. Her deep understanding of the fashion business and her strategic vision are critical to the success of Kering’s luxury houses. Under her leadership, Kering has made significant strides in both creative and commercial areas, and her guidance will continue to shape the trajectory of Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and other brands within the Kering family.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, expressed confidence in the new leadership structure, saying: “These changes represent a natural evolution for Kering and reflect our commitment to ensuring that each of our brands continues to thrive and grow in an ever-changing market. With Francesca Bellettini’s continued leadership in Brand Development, we are creating the ideal conditions for the success of our brands, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and creativity.”

The restructuring of Kering’s leadership also aligns with the company’s broader commitment to sustainability. As the luxury sector faces increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, Kering is positioning its brands to lead the way in environmentally-conscious fashion, ensuring that creativity and responsibility go hand in hand.

Kering’s Strong Position in the Luxury Market: A Powerhouse for Global Expansion

Kering continues to dominate the luxury fashion industry with a portfolio that includes some of the most iconic names in fashion, including Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, and, of course, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. The company has long been recognized for its commitment to creativity and innovation, while also emphasizing responsible practices and sustainability across all aspects of its operations.

In 2023, Kering reported revenue of €19.6 billion, with 49,000 employees spread across the globe. The company has established itself as a powerhouse in the luxury goods sector, and the leadership changes at Saint Laurent and Balenciaga further solidify Kering’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market.

By combining heritage with forward-thinking leadership, Kering’s two newest appointments will ensure the continued success of Saint Laurent and Balenciaga, allowing them to evolve and innovate while staying true to their unique identities. This strategic vision aligns with Kering’s overarching mission to push the boundaries of luxury fashion, creating timeless designs that resonate with consumers today and in the future.

Kering’s Bold Leadership Moves Set the Stage for the Future

Kering’s decision to appoint Cédric Charbit and Gianfranco Gianangeli to the top positions at Saint Laurent and Balenciaga signals the beginning of a new chapter for two of the world’s most renowned luxury fashion brands. These strategic moves ensure that both brands will continue to thrive under visionary leadership as they face the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving luxury market.

With a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and brand heritage, Kering is perfectly positioned to continue leading the way in luxury fashion. As Charbit and Gianangeli step into their new roles, the industry will be watching closely to see how their leadership shapes the future of Saint Laurent and Balenciaga—and Kering’s broader luxury portfolio—in the coming years.