Kering focuses on training to secure the future of Italian luxury and Kering launches Academy for Excellence, new project dedicated to growth of talents and valorization of craftsmanship which will accompany the evolution of the sector in the coming years. The initiative was presented at the historic Gucci Archives in Florence, as part of the third annual Made in Italy Day, in the presence of Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering, and Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato and project manager for the group.
"Creativity and excellence are the very essence of luxuryBuilding its future requires a long-term vision, shared standards and constant investments in craftsmanship, an authentic expression of the heritage and know-how of Made in Italy,” declared the CEO of Kering, Luca de meo.
A project that looks beyond tradition
The operation marks a strategic move for Kering, which links its name not only to the protection of Italian know-how, but also to his transformationThe initiative is based on the belief that luxury is undergoing profound change and that once-central categories such as rarity, sophistication, and handcrafted craftsmanship are no longer sufficient to define its identity. For this reason, the group aims to combine the "intelligence of the hands" with critical thinking, creativity, and contemporary vision, with the goal of developing professionals capable of not only preserving excellence, but also redefining it.
The widespread ecosystem of the new Academy
The new Academy was not born as an isolated structure, but as a integrated system which connects existing experiences and new partners. Kering will regroup and strengthen in fact the internal training centers present in the group's fashion houses, including Bottega Veneta, Brioni, Gucci and Pomellato, alongside a network of excellent institutions such as the Politecnico di Milano, Galdus and HModa.
The chosen model is that of a widespread ecosystem, divided into several offices and centers of excellence throughout Italy, capable of reflecting the wealth of the group's savoir-faire. the point of convergence will be the Value Italy Campus at the Mind Milano Innovation District, which is set to become a space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to organically respond to the sector's needs. The ambition is to build a training environment capable of supporting the sector's growth until 2035.
From luxury crafts to artificial intelligence
The training offer will be built for keeping together solid roots and new skillsStudents will be trained in the fundamentals of luxury through four key areas: apparel, men's tailoring, leather goods, and jewelry. They will also be exposed to factors set to reshape the sector in the years to come, such as technology, artificial intelligence, and new materials.
Kering is thus aiming for a educational model which does not limit itself to the transmission of excellent techniques, but aims to create a new generation of professionals capable of interpreting their time.
“Our ambition is to train a new generation of talent capable of asserting themselves in an ever-evolving industry and helping shape the Maisons of tomorrow,” explains De Meo. “With the Kering Academy for Excellence, we intend to create a platform of excellence designed to cultivate talent, strengthen excellence, and support the evolution of luxury crafts over time.”
The plan's numbers and the launch in 2026
The Academy will be open to both internal and external talents to the group and will offer courses of varying lengths, from one semester to seven years. Some programs will also lead to diplomas recognized by Italian law. The start will take place with a first cohort of 1.000 students, with the aim of gradually arriving at at least 2.000 members per yearThe first courses will begin in the first half of September 2026.
“The launch of the Kering Academy for Excellence marks a concrete step in the valorization of the Italian artisanal heritage and is fully in line with the spirit of National Made in Italy Day 2026, dedicated to training and skills. It sends a strong message: investing in know-how strengthens the country's competitiveness and manufacturing identity," declared the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Senator Adolfo Urso"This program contributes to the renewal of Italian cultural and industrial excellence, training new talent and supporting tomorrow's luxury leaders, with the aim of consolidating Italy's global leadership."
