Luca De Meo
Chief Executive, Kering
The former automotive executive has moved quickly to shore up the group’s balance sheet and plot a roadmap for reviving sales at Gucci.
Luca de Meo is the chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors of Kering. In September 2025, he became the first chief executive from outside the Pinault family to lead Kering, succeeding François-Henri Pinault.
De Meo earned a degree in business administration from Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi in Milan in 1992. He began his professional career that year at Renault before moving to Toyota Europe. He joined Fiat Group in 2002, holding leadership roles across Lancia, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, acting as chief executive of Abarth and serving as chief marketing officer. Moving to Volkswagen Group in 2009, he joined the board of management at Audi AG in 2012. He served as president of Seat and Cupra from November 2015 to January 2020, and led Renault Group as chief executive from July 2020 to 2025.
He introduced ReconKering in April 2026, an 18-month turnaround plan focusing on debt reduction, cost cuts, streamlined distribution and portfolio rebalancing, including real estate divestments and the sale of Kering Beauté to L'Oréal. He has targeted decreasing reliance on Gucci by expanding menswear, leather goods and Asian distribution at Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga.
Under his leadership, Kering reported full-year 2025 revenue of €14.7 billion, €1.6 billion in recurring operating income, €2.3 billion in operational free cash flow and net debt reduced to €8 billion. The group subsequently reported a return to revenue growth and margin improvement in the first half of 2026.
VITAL STATISTICS
Find out more
Latest News & Analysis
Gucci’s New ‘Made in China’ Sneaker Breaks With Italian Tradition
Gucci said the manufacturing decision reflected particular technical needs. Some industry-watchers argue it could undermine the brand's high-end image.
Opinion: It’s Risky to Stock Discounter TJ Maxx With Designer Fashion
TJMaxx has quietly become a force in top-end goods, selling cut-price luxury fashion, but there are perils for both luxury houses and the discount retailer, Andrea Felsted writes.
Can Gucci Turn Attention Into Sales?
Early response to designer Demna’s revamp has been ‘very encouraging,’ Kering CEO Luca de Meo told shareholders Thursday, after the brand shut down Times Square for another blockbuster fashion show earlier this month.
Kering Aims to Double Profitability, Reignite Gucci with New Strategy
The French conglomerate is reorganising key functions as part of a strategic overhaul unveiled by new CEO Luca de Meo in Florence Thursday.
Luca de Meo’s Gucci Challenge
Seven months into his tenure, Kering’s new CEO has stabilised the company’s finances, but his primary challenge remains reviving growth at flagship brand Gucci.
How Big Luxury Is Rewiring for the Future
Under scrutiny from top managers and investors, LVMH, Kering and Richemont are re-examining their brand portfolios, organisational structures and store networks.
Does Your Brand Need a Chief AI Officer?
The role is one of several new titles that are becoming increasingly common in fashion’s senior ranks, as the industry pivots to face new challenges and opportunities.
Will the Kering Hope Trade Hold Up?
In this week’s High Margin newsletter: Kering shares pop off again as its sales decline slows — despite a lack of clarity on Gucci’s next steps.
Kering Pledges Return to Growth Despite Sweeping Store Closures
The French luxury conglomerate’s quarterly sales fell less than expected ahead of Demna’s high-stakes Gucci debut.
What Happens for Luxury if AI Goes Bust?
Investors are worried about the scale and concentration of US’ AI investment ahead of Nvidia’s earnings Wednesday night. A correction would have big consequences for high-end brands. Plus: Kering’s leaked strategy memo, Azzedine Alaïa’s Dior archive, highlights from BoF VOICES.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
