Kering names Cédric Charbit as CEO of Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Gianangeli as CEO of Balenciaga

Kering on Monday announced the appointment of Cédric Charbit as the new CEO of Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Gianangeli as his successor as CEO of Balenciaga.

Both appointments are effective January 2, 2025, and both executives will report to Francesca Bellettini, Kering deputy CEO in charge of brand development.
 
From that date on, Bellettini will be entirely dedicated to the development of all Kering fashion, leather goods and jewelry houses, Kering stressed in its release. Previously, Bellettini had been dividing her time between Saint Laurent and Gucci, the largest and most troubled of all the Kering luxury brands.

The French luxury group broke the news after the close of the Paris stock exchange.
 
“I am proud to announce the appointment of Cédric as CEO of Saint Laurent. With his profound understanding of the house and of its unique identity, Cédric is exceptionally prepared to drive the continued growth and success of Saint Laurent. Equally, I am confident that Gianfranco is the ideal leader to succeed Cédric as CEO of Balenciaga. Gianfranco’s extensive expertise and vision make him the perfect choice to further elevate the house and build on its remarkable achievements. Having had the privilege of knowing and working closely with both Cédric and Gianfranco for many years, I have no doubts they are the best choices to take the helm of Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. I am certain they will excel in their new roles, guiding their respective Houses toward even greater success,” said Bellettini.
 
Added François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering: “These evolutions further reinforce our organization. With Francesca Bellettini fully dedicated to her role as Kering deputy CEO in charge of brand development, including the jewelry houses, and Jean-Marc Duplaix – whose role, as Kering deputy CEO and chief operating officer, is to ensure that all corporate departments work together efficiently and support all brands to achieve Kering’s strategic goals – we have the right leadership team in place to address current industry challenges and set the pace for long-term growth.”
 
Charbit joined Kering in 2012 as product strategy director of Saint Laurent after extensive experience in the luxury industry and became CEO of Balenciaga in 2016.
 
“Cédric’s mission as the new CEO of Saint Laurent succeeding Francesca Bellettini will be to leverage his expertise and leadership to further develop the iconic Parisian House, building on its unique positioning, heritage, and identity,” Kering added in its release.
 
The Paris-based group praised Gianangeli for his “solid experience in the luxury industry,” having worked for several renowned
Italian and French luxury houses, notably in merchandising and retail functions and as CEO of Maison Margiela.
 
Most recently, he was chief commercial officer of Saint Laurent. Now succeeding Charbit at Balenciaga, his task will be to continue strengthening and expanding the house’s reach and renown.