Following the resignation of Alessandro Michele, the luxury brand’s creative director, in December of last year, Gucci’s CEO Marco Bizzarri will leave the Kering-owned company in September. In an effort to turn around the fortunes of its flagship house, Kering has appointed managing director Jean-Francois Palus to succeed Bizzarri on an interim basis.
In a statement Kering Chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault, “Jean-Francois has been my right-hand man and a daily sparring partner for several decades. He will now focus his energy on getting our largest asset in top shape.”
On 23rd September, as Sabato De Sarno, Gucci’s new creative director, debuts his first collection, Bizzarri will depart the fashion house.
De Sarno, a person of relatively little renown, switched from Valentino to Gucci in January to take Michele’s place. After Michele’s maximalism, his appointment is anticipated to usher in a new, more subtle creative director for Gucci.
Prior to sales slowing down, Gucci experienced a period of phenomenal growth under the leadership of Michele and Bizzarri. After seven years, it was determined that Michele should go because it was clear he was unwilling to give in to his extravagant ideas.
Francesca Bellettini, who has led Yves Saint Laurent since 2013, has been appointed to the post of deputy CEO of Kering, in charge of brand development, among other changes within the company. The deputy CEO for operations and finance of Kering has been nominated as Group Finance Chief Jean-Marc Duplaix.
