PARIS (Reuters) – The French luxury group Kering (EPA:) said on Monday it has appointed Cedric Charbit as CEO of fashion house Saint Laurent, choosing the leader of the second largest fashion label among them.
He replaces Francesca Bellettini, who has also been deputy CEO since last year, in charge of product development, including jewelry labels.
Charbit, currently the CEO of small fashion label Balenciaga, which is also owned by Kering, will be replaced by Gianfranco Gianangeli.
The managers take up their positions on January 2, reporting to Bellettini, Kering said in a statement.
“These changes further strengthen our organization,” said Kering Chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault, noting that Bellettini will now be able to focus on his role as deputy CEO.
Kering has made major changes in recent months, replacing the company’s top management as it seeks to revive sales growth at its star label Gucci, which trailed rivals during the crisis and is struggling to recover amid an industry downturn.
Last month, the group named Stefano Cantino CEO of Gucci after a brief stint with Jean-Francois Palus, Pinault’s long-time right-hand man.
Charbit was CEO of Balenciaga for eight years, and worked at Saint Laurent before that.
Gianangeli, the former CEO of Maison Margiela, has been Saint Laurent’s chief commercial officer since last year.
