MILAN — Kering’s top brass is banking on Gucci’s transitional period being over and that the foundations have been laid for future growth.

The executive expected to lead the next phase of the Italian brand, under the Kering umbrella, is Stefano Cantino, who will take on the role of chief executive officer on Jan. 1.

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He will succeed Jean-Fran?ois Palus, who was also president of the brand, and report to Francesca Bellettini, deputy CEO of Kering in charge of brand development.

Cantino, who joined Gucci in May as deputy CEO, will have a seat on Kering’s executive committee.

Palus had been appointed CEO of Gucci in July 2023 and is Kering chairman and CEO Fran?ois-Henri Pinault’s most trusted deputy.

Pinault “wholeheartedly” thanked Palus “for his achievements at the helm of Gucci since summer 2023. Over a particularly challenging period, he made the courageous decisions the house needed, and built sound foundations for a renewed Gucci to flourish again under the stewardship of Stefano. I also want to acknowledge Jean-Fran?ois’s close and constant collaboration with me over the past 30 years, which has been truly invaluable.”

Palus has been consolidating the brand’s management and building a new structure and organization following the exit of his predecessor, Marco Bizzarri.

Key was the hiring of Luxottica veteran Massimo Vian, who was named chief industrial and supply chain officer in January, joining from Prada and in charge of overseeing the development and manufacturing processes of leather goods, shoes, ready-to-wear and jewelry, as well as product allocation processes across the various sales channels.

Likewise, Cayetano Fabry was named chief commercial officer in August, a new role for the company. Fabry is tasked with leading all Gucci teams dedicated to defining and implementing client-centric retail and digital experiences. He joined Gucci after spending over four years at Saint Laurent as president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

In September, Davide Buzzoni joined Gucci as global communications director from Loro Piana, succeeding Benjamin Cercio, who left in March and has since formed his own communications agency.

Bellettini also expressed her gratitude toward Palus “for his dedication and loyalty to Gucci over this transitional period. I am confident that, building on what has been set up over the past 15 months, Stefano and the Gucci team will succeed in the mission to take Gucci back to the leadership the brand deserves.”