In a difficult time for European luxury due to worries about Chinese braking a jolt arrives at the top of one of the big names in fashion. After eight years, Marco bizzarri steps down as CEO and president of Gucci. Bizzarri had also been a member of the Executive Committee of Kering since 2012. He will leave the company effective September 23, 2023.
Frances Bellettini, who has been CEO of Saint Laurent since 2013, assumes full powers as Kering Deputy CEO, responsible for the Brand Development of the entire group. All brands CEOs will report to her. "To ensure a smooth transition, Francesca Bellettini will gradually assume her new responsibilities over the coming months, and a new top management line has been established at Yves Saint Laurent," Kering said in a statement.
Palus will replace Bizzarri for a transitional period
Instead of Bizzarri at Gucci, he will arrive Jean-Francois Palus, currently general manager of the Kering group and historical right-hand man of François Pinault. Jean-François Palus becomes president and CEO of Gucci for a transitional period. "He will have the task of strengthening Gucci's teams and operations" - reads the Group's note - "while the Maison rebuilds its authority and momentum, defining its leadership and organization for the future".
Palus will leave his position on the Kering board of directors and will move to Milan.
Bizzarri's farewell takes us by surprise
Bizzarri's farewell to the maison took insiders by surprise. Bizzarri will leave his role the day after the Milano Moda Donna Gucci which will show for the first time under the creative direction of De Sarno Saturday, chosen by the now ex Ad.
Kering talked about internal reorganisations but Bizzarri's exit comes as a surprise considering the great work done by the manager which has made Gucci's sales reach over 10 billion.
“I want to thank Marco for his spectacular contribution to the success of Gucci and Kering, and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” Kering chairman and chief executive officer François-Henri Pinault wrote in the note. “We are building a stronger organization to fully capture the growth of the global luxury market. I look forward to working with Francesca in her new role. In addition to being instrumental in sixfolding revenues since she joined Saint Laurent, she has been an amazing partner, and now everyone will benefit from her expertise. Jean-Marc has led our transformation into an integrated luxury group and I'm counting on him. Jean-François has been my right hand man and a daily sparring partner for several decades. He will now focus his energies into getting our greatest wealth into top form, and I couldn't be more grateful."
Among the nominations also that of Jean-Marc Duplaix who has been designated as the new Kering Deputy CEO, responsible for operations and finance. Duplaix will have the task of supervising all corporate functions of the group.
Change also at Zegna
In a turbulent day for the fashion world, the announcement has also arrived in the Zegna group of the appointment of Lelio Gavazza like New Ceo di Tom Ford Fashion. Gavazza, was currently, Bulgari's executive vp of sales and retail. He will assume his position in September, just when the Tom Ford brand will unveil its new course after being sold by the founder to Estée Lauder (under license to Zegna). During Milan Fashion Week, the brand's first show will be signed by Peter Hawkings.
