Who is Luca de Meo, reported to be Kering’s new CEO?

Key Points

It seems likely that Luca de Meo is reported to be Kering’s new CEO, based on recent news.
Research suggests he is a 58-year-old Italian businessman with over 30 years in the automotive sector.
The evidence leans toward his appointment being due to his experience turning around companies like Renault.

Background

Luca de Meo is currently the CEO of Renault Group but is reportedly stepping down to lead Kering, a luxury goods company known for brands like Gucci. His extensive experience in the automotive industry, particularly in leadership roles, makes him a candidate to address Kering’s challenges.

Experience and Achievements

De Meo has held significant positions at major automotive companies, including Renault, Toyota, Fiat, Volkswagen, and Audi. He is praised for his strategic vision, notably turning around Renault and relaunching the Fiat 500, which likely influenced Kering’s decision to appoint him.

Reason for Appointment

Kering likely chose De Meo for his proven track record in revitalizing struggling brands, aiming to apply his skills to turn around Gucci and other Kering brands.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Luca de Meo, Reported to Be Kering’s New CEO

On June 16, 2025, at 01:13 AM PDT, recent news reports indicate that Luca de Meo, currently the CEO of Renault Group, is set to become the new CEO of Kering, the luxury goods conglomerate known for brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. This report provides a comprehensive overview of Luca de Meo’s background, qualifications, and the reasons behind his reported appointment, synthesizing information from multiple news sources to ensure accuracy and depth.

Background and Personal Details

Luca de Meo is a 58-year-old Italian businessman from Milan, with a strong educational foundation in business administration. He graduated from Luigi Bocconi Commercial University, equipping him with the skills necessary for his extensive career in the automotive sector. His nationality and educational background highlight his international perspective, which is valuable for leading a global luxury goods company like Kering.

Professional Experience

De Meo’s career spans over 30 years in the automotive industry, with a series of high-profile leadership roles:

Early 1990s: He began his career at Renault, gaining initial experience in the automotive sector.
Late 1990s: Moved to Toyota Europe, expanding his international exposure and operational expertise.
2002: Joined the Fiat Group, where he held leadership roles in Lancia, Fiat, Abarth, and Alfa Romeo. During this period, he was instrumental in relaunching the Fiat 500 and reviving the Abarth brand, demonstrating his ability to revitalize struggling brands.
2009: Served as Marketing Director at Volkswagen Group, overseeing the Volkswagen brand and the broader group, enhancing his strategic marketing skills.
2012: Joined the board of Audi AG, responsible for sales and marketing, further solidifying his experience in global brand management.
November 2015–January 2020: Served as Chairman of Volkswagen’s Spanish unit SEAT, overseeing a sales resurgence. He also sat on the supervisory boards of Ducati and Lamborghini and chaired the Volkswagen Group Spain board, showcasing his leadership in diverse automotive segments.
July 2020: Became CEO of Renault S.A., later also taking on the role of Chairman. Over his five-year tenure, he successfully turned around the company, overhauled its alliance with Nissan, and focused on hybrid and electric vehicles, earning praise for his strategic vision .
November 2023–March 2025: Served as CEO of Ampere, Renault’s electric vehicle and software unit, further demonstrating his focus on future-oriented technologies.

Additionally, since January 2023, De Meo has been the President of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), underscoring his influence in the industry.

Achievements and Reputation

De Meo is widely recognized for his strategic vision and ability to turn around struggling brands. His tenure at Renault is particularly notable, where he formulated and executed a transformation plan that revitalized the company, as reported in recent news . His success in relaunching the Fiat 500 and reviving Abarth at Fiat Group also highlights his capability to drive brand resurgence, a skill likely seen as critical for addressing Kering’s challenges, especially with its flagship brand Gucci facing difficulties.

Reported Appointment at Kering

Recent reports, as of June 16, 2025, indicate that Kering is set to appoint Luca de Meo as its new CEO, with the announcement driving a 7% pop in Kering’s shares on Monday

The Financial Times also notes that De Meo is being hired to spearhead a turnaround of the struggling French luxury group, confirming the strategic intent behind his appointment

. This aligns with Kering’s need to address recent performance issues, particularly with Gucci, which has faced challenges in maintaining its market position.

Reasons for Selection

Kering’s decision to appoint De Meo is likely driven by his proven track record in turning around companies and his strategic acumen. His ability to overhaul Renault, enhance its focus on electric vehicles, and manage complex alliances like with Nissan demonstrates his capability to handle large, multinational corporations. His experience in brand revitalization, as seen with Fiat and SEAT, is particularly relevant for Kering, which needs to address Gucci’s struggles and potentially other brands within its portfolio. The Bloomberg article specifically highlights that Kering is looking for De Meo to replicate his Renault turnaround at Gucci, emphasizing his suitability for the role

Broader Context and Implications

De Meo’s move from automotive to luxury goods is notable, given the different industry dynamics, but his leadership skills and strategic vision are seen as transferable. The luxury goods sector, like automotive, requires strong brand management, global market understanding, and the ability to navigate economic challenges, areas where De Meo has extensive experience. His appointment is also timed with Kering’s need to compile an extra budget to boost its economy, reflecting the urgency of his role in driving performance improvements.

Summary Table: Key Details of Luca de Meo

Category	Details
Age	58
Nationality	Italian, from Milan
Education	Graduated from Luigi Bocconi Commercial University with a degree in business administration
Current Position	CEO of Renault Group (reportedly stepping down as of June 16, 2025)
Previous Roles	Extensive leadership in Renault, Toyota, Fiat, Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Ampere
Associations	President of European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) since Jan 2023
Achievements	Turned around Renault, relaunched Fiat 500, revived Abarth, strategic vision praised

This table encapsulates the core elements of De Meo’s background, providing a quick reference for understanding his qualifications.

Conclusion

Luca de Meo, reported to be Kering’s new CEO as of June 16, 2025, is a seasoned executive with over 30 years in the automotive sector, currently leading Renault Group. His extensive experience, particularly in turning around struggling brands like Renault and Fiat, makes him a strategic choice for Kering, which aims to address challenges at Gucci and other brands. His appointment reflects Kering’s intent to leverage his leadership skills and strategic vision to enhance its global competitiveness in the luxury goods market.