Kering has confirmed that Francesca Bellettini, currently co-deputy CEO for brand development, will take over as president and CEO of Gucci, succeeding Stefano Cantino after less than a year in the role. The move is part of new chief executive Luca de Meo’s rapid restructuring to streamline the French luxury group’s leadership.

Bellettini is no stranger to reinvention. During her decade-long tenure at Saint Laurent, she transformed the house into a megabrand, multiplying revenues nearly six-fold. Her connection to Gucci runs deeper, between 2003 and 2008 she held key roles in strategic planning and merchandising, laying a foundation that now makes her return especially poignant.

Courtesy of Business of Fashion

She steps back in at a pivotal moment, having already played a central role in recent leadership and creative decisions, including the appointment of Demna as Gucci’s new creative director. His first presentation, scheduled for September 23 in Milan, is expected to deliver the kind of bold vision the industry has been waiting for. A reset capable of reigniting momentum at Italy’s most influential luxury house.

The urgency is clear, for Gucci still represents nearly half of Kering’s total sales and two-thirds of its operating profit. Further shifts within Gucci’s senior ranks are expected in the coming weeks, signaling that de Meo and Bellettini are moving swiftly to reset the brand’s trajectory.