Luca de Meo is bolstering Kering‘s executive ranks ahead of revealing his strategic plan for the ailing French luxury group this spring.
WWD has learned that Daniele Zito, previously president of Gucci Japan, has been appointed Kering’s chief commercial officer, a newly created position, with immediate effect.
Contacted on Tuesday, Kering confirmed Zito’s arrival and said he would be responsible for “defining the group’s commercial strategy across our retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels.”
“By collaborating closely with each of our houses, he will focus on leveraging existing best practices and building synergies that drive value and promote operational excellence throughout our retail operations,” Kering said, adding that Zito “brings a wealth of strategic and operational experience from his six years at Bain & Company and nine years at Gucci, including his last five years as president of Gucci Japan.”
A 2010 management graduate from Milan’s Bocconi University, Zito first joined Gucci as worldwide retail outlet director, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Kering is to host capital market days in Florence on April 15 and 16, with guided tours, cocktail and dinner events, and presentations – de Meo’s being the main event.
As reported, the former chief executive officer of French car giant Renault Group is expected to unveil a strategic plan engineered to transform Kering into a serious challenger in a lackluster luxury market grappling with consumer fatigue, so-called “greedflation” and economic woes.
De Meo spent five years leading Renault and boasts a total of 30 years in the sector at brands including Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Toyota, Volkswagen and Seat.
Since arriving at Kering last September, he has already recruited several of his former coworkers, including HR specialist Thomas Cuntz as global talent development and people engagement head and Giovanni Perosino as senior vice president, marketing, at Gucci, as reported.
