Luca de Meo has appointed Francesca Bellettini as Gucci’s new CEO during a critical period for the brand. Facing sales declines and market challenges, this leadership change aims to stabilize Gucci and boost growth. Bellettini’s experience overseeing multiple Kering brands makes her a strategic choice to revitalize the luxury house. As de Meo emphasizes innovation and restructuring, you’ll discover how this move could shape Gucci’s future success if you continue exploring the details.
Luca de Meo’s recent leadership shift at Kering marks a decisive step to stabilize Gucci, as he appoints Francesca Bellettini as the brand’s new CEO. This move comes after a turbulent period marked by sharp sales declines and strategic uncertainties. De Meo’s first major decision since becoming Kering’s CEO in 2025 underscores his focus on restoring Gucci’s performance amid mounting pressures. Bellettini, who previously served as Kering’s deputy CEO overseeing multiple brands, now steps in to lead Gucci through its most critical phase.
Luca de Meo appoints Francesca Bellettini as Gucci’s new CEO to steer the brand through a challenging recovery phase.
Your role as Gucci’s new CEO is to navigate an increasingly complex luxury landscape. The brand has experienced a 21% sales drop in 2024 and a further 25% decline in the first half of 2025, signaling the urgent need for decisive leadership. Because Gucci accounts for nearly half of Kering’s total sales, every strategic move you make will be pivotal to the conglomerate’s overall health. The brand’s post-pandemic growth has stalled, and the challenge lies in revitalizing its appeal to both longstanding customers and emerging audiences. Your task is to reignite sales and restore profitability, leveraging your proven track record with Saint Laurent, where you achieved a six-fold revenue increase over ten years. Implementing a robust diversification strategy will be essential to mitigate risks associated with market volatility.
Your deep familiarity with luxury branding and Kering’s portfolio gives you an edge. You’ve been involved in key initiatives like onboarding Demna as Gucci’s creative director, aligning creative vision with strategic direction. Your steady, methodical leadership style will be critical in managing Gucci’s complex transformation. Your banking background and extensive executive experience provide a solid foundation for operational rigor and strategic planning. You’ll need to balance creative innovation with business efficiency, ensuring the brand remains relevant to modern consumers who prioritize authenticity and social values.
Luca de Meo’s vision emphasizes innovation, cost management, and sustainability. His decision to postpone acquisitions like Valentino reflects a priority on stabilizing Gucci first. Under his leadership, management structures are being streamlined, including the elimination of deputy CEO roles like yours, to foster clearer responsibilities and better coordination across teams. Internally, Gucci has begun restructuring its regional and merchandising departments, and your appointment signals a commitment to strengthening organizational alignment.
Your challenge extends to redefining Gucci’s creative direction. Merging men’s and women’s collections into a unified narrative responsive to Gen Z’s preferences—who now drive 60% of luxury spending—will be essential. Your leadership will shape how Gucci responds to these consumer shifts, ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of luxury fashion’s evolving landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Specific Strategic Shifts Will Bellettini Implement at Gucci?
You’ll see Bellettini focus on realigning Gucci’s creative vision by collaborating closely with Demna, aiming to refresh the brand’s narrative and counteract saturation. She’ll implement strategic shifts like emphasizing innovative designs and storytelling to resonate with contemporary consumers. Additionally, she’ll streamline operations, boost market focus, and reinforce Gucci’s luxury heritage while balancing financial recovery with cultural renewal, ensuring the brand maintains its top-tier status and regains market share.
How Does Bellettini’s Leadership Style Differ From His Predecessor’s?
You’ll notice Bellettini’s leadership style is more pragmatic and operational than her predecessor’s. She emphasizes aligning creative vision with clear business strategies, focusing on operational controls and brand refinement. Unlike Marco Bizzarri’s growth-driven maximalism or Stefano Cantino’s steady sustainable approach, she prioritizes restoring Gucci’s cultural power and exclusivity. Her supportive, insider perspective helps tighten brand messaging, stabilize finances, and set a strategic course for long-term revival—more disciplined and cohesive than previous leadership styles.
What Are Bellettini’s Main Priorities for Gucci’s Future Growth?
Your main priorities for Gucci’s future growth are stabilizing financial performance by reversing sales decline, repositioning the brand as a high-end luxury icon, and fostering creative innovation with Demna’s new direction. You’ll focus on enhancing exclusivity, rebuilding emotional consumer connections, and strengthening market confidence. By implementing cost management and clear messaging, you aim to restore Gucci’s desirability, ensuring long-term success in an increasingly competitive luxury landscape.
How Will Bellettini Address Sustainability Challenges at Gucci?
Imagine guiding a ship through turbulent waters, Bellettini will steer Gucci toward sustainability by embracing innovation and transparency. She’ll prioritize reaching 100% raw material traceability, cutting emissions by 40%, and expanding circular economy efforts. With a focus on eco-friendly sourcing, renewable energy, and waste reduction, she’ll foster a responsible future where luxury and sustainability sail together, ensuring Gucci’s legacy endures in harmony with the planet.
What Impact Will Bellettini’s Appointment Have on Gucci’s Global Markets?
Your appointment of Bellettini will likely boost Gucci’s global markets by focusing on innovative product lines like the Giglio bag, which appeal to consumers worldwide. She’ll prioritize strengthening key regions such as Asia-Pacific and North America, aiming to reverse sales declines and improve margins. With her leadership, expect strategic initiatives centered on cost management, digital growth, and brand revitalization to help Gucci regain its competitive edge internationally.
Conclusion
Now that Bellettini steps in at this pivotal moment, you can expect fresh energy and bold ideas to steer Gucci forward. This change might be just what the brand needs to turn the tide and stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when a new leader might shake things up and change the game entirely. It’s a classic case of the winds of change blowing in, and Gucci’s future looks brighter for it.
