Kering's New Driver: From Renault Roads to Gucci Runways!

The Bat Signal for a New CEO

Gotham's criminals aren't the only ones facing a leadership shakeup. Seems Kering the fashion giant behind Gucci and Saint Laurent has tapped Luca de Meo as their new CEO. Word on the street is their stock jumped 9% faster than the Batmobile on a GCPD chase. Looks like some folks in the market are thinking 'Maybe this guy can actually do something.' But let's be real cleaning up Gotham—or Gucci in this case—is never a walk in the park.

From Horsepower to Handbags

De Meo's leaving Renault claiming he's ready for "new challenges." Trading cars for couture huh? Smart move. I always say sometimes you have to choose between one evil and another. And trust me trying to outrun Two Face is definitely more challenging than redesigning a handbag. Still the challenges are still pretty significant though. As Chauvet from Citi said luxury brand turnarounds are complex lengthy costly and less public market friendly!

Gucci's Got a Headache

Let's face it Gucci's been slipping faster than a Joker plot. Sales are down profits are vanishing quicker than a magician's assistant and the whole brand is starting to feel like a Poison Ivy experiment gone wrong. Kering's shares have plummeted faster than me when Scarecrow hits me with his fear toxin. Now they are looking for someone to bring the Gucci brand back to life.

Pinault's Succession Plan: A Family Affair?

François Henri Pinault the big cheese at Kering has been running the show for two decades. Sources say he's planning to split the roles of chairman and CEO. Seems even the wealthiest families have succession issues. Makes me wonder if Bruce Wayne Inc. will ever need a new CEO. Nah Gotham's in good hands...as long as I'm around. But seriously good on him for actively thinking about succession most people don't until it's too late.

Can De Meo Drive Change?

De Meo turned Renault around alright. Shares up 90%? Not bad. But reviving a luxury brand isn't like fixing a flat tire. Citi analyst Thomas Chauvet rightly points out that it's going to take more than a fresh coat of paint to make Gucci shine again. Consumer preference for top brands will continue to be at play alongside investment requirements. A whole lot more work needs to be done.

The Dark Knight of Couture?

So can De Meo save Kering? Maybe. He's got the track record but this is a whole new game. The luxury market is cutthroat. But if he can pull it off Kering's stock could soar higher than the Batwing over Gotham. But remember de Meo "It's not who you are underneath it's what you do that defines you." And right now Kering needs someone who can do a whole lot.