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Francesca Bellettini Appointed as the New CEO of Gucci Amid Increasing Sales Difficulties

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Business Honor - Gucci Names Francesca Bellettini CEO

Business Honor
15 September, 2025

Francesca Bellettini succeeds Stefano Cantino as Gucci's new CEO, with the aim to recover sales as Kering focuses on its valued brand.

Francesca Bellettini is the new CEO of Gucci, after Kering's quick leadership change. Stefano Cantino, who had been in charge for less than a year, was succeeded by Bellettini. This is Luca de Meo's first major step as the new CEO of Kering, highlighting how important it is to deal with Gucci's sales difficulties. Kering depends largely on Gucci, accounting for more than fifty percent of its sales. However, sales of the brand have been dropping, decreasing 21% last year and an additional 25% in the beginning of 2025. Kering has been forced to take immediate steps in an effort to bring back these severe decreases.

An ideal applicant for the role is Bellettini. With years of expertise in luxurious fashion and was the CEO of Saint Laurent before that. Over a period of ten years, she supported the brand to grow its sales by six times. She is perfect for managing Gucci through this challenging time based on her achievements and knowledge of the luxury business. It matters when this change occurs. Just a few weeks before Demna, Gucci's new creative director, presents his first collection for the brand at Milan Fashion Week, Bellettini was appointed. Demna was introduced to Gucci by Bellettini, allowing an easy change and provides the brand with new energy.

This change in leadership is part of bigger plans at Kering. The business focuses on preserving Gucci, the company's most valued brand, as demonstrated by Luca de Meo's recent delay of intentions of purchasing the rest of Valentino. Highlighting Kering's steps to strengthen Gucci and manage challenges in the luxury market.