The waltz of appointments in the fashion and luxury sector continues. Stefano Cantino leaves the role of senior vice-president of communications and events at Louis Vuitton and becomes deputy CEO of Gucci, then moving from LVMH to Kering (-0,3% in Paris).
Gucci's ad
“Gucci is pleased to announce that Stefano Cantino has been appointed deputy chief executive officer,” reads the note published this morning by the Florentine fashion house. Cantino, will take office on May 2ndoe will report to the president and CEO, Jean-Francois Palus. “In this new role, Stefano Cantino will share with Jean-Francois Palus responsibilities in the definition and implementation of Gucci's strategy", is further written in the press release from the company controlled by the French group Kering.
The appointment comes after a 2023 in chiaroscuro for Gucci. The number one brand of the Kering group, in fact, last year recorded revenues falling by 6% to 9,9 billion euros, while in the fourth quarter alone, revenues fell by 8% to 2,528 billion.
Already from the beginning of 2023, the company began to launch heavy structural and organizational changes with the aim of revitalizing the brand. In fact, we remind you that since January last year Sabato De Sarno became creative director, replacing Alessandro Michele (a few weeks ago creative director of Valentino), while in July Jean-Francois Palus replaced Marco Bizzarri as CEO of the company.
Who is Stefano Cantino
Cantino arrives at Gucci next five years at Louis Vuitton, where he oversaw the brand's communication and image strategies. Graduated in Political Science at the University of Turin, before his experience at Louis Vuitton, Cantino spent over twenty years in the Prada group, covering roles of increasing responsibility in the Marketing and Commercial areas, until taking on the role of Communication & Marketing Director.
“I am thrilled that Stefano Cantino is joining Gucci to contribute to the new chapter we are writing with determination and a long-term vision” said Palus.
“Cantino's appointment is another step in the consolidation of the brand's management. Thanks to his vast experience in strategic roles of leading companies in the luxury industry, Stefano will be able to make a valuable contribution to Jean-Francois' consolidated leadership and Sabato's strong creativity. Together with them and the entire Gucci team, we will write a new successful chapter in the history of this magnificent brand of ours' said Francesca Bellettini, deputy CEO of Kering, responsible for the group's Brand Development.
Finally also the same Cantino declared: “I am proud to join Gucci, the maison that boasts the most precious historical-creative heritage of luxury in Italy, as we inaugurate a new chapter in its history. I look forward to contributing to the definition and implementation of the strategy launched by Jean-Francois Palus, and to collaborating with the entire Gucci team towards new successes."
