After weeks when rumors were circulating, Stefano Cantino has left Louis Vuitton to become deputy CEO of Gucci as of 2 May.
“In this new role, Cantino will share with Jean-François Palus [editor’s note: CEO, Gucci] the responsibilities in the definition and implementation of Gucci’s strategy,” said a statement from the company confirming the rumors about the manager circulating since weeks.
Cantino joins the Florentine fashion house with experience at the helm of two major luxury houses: after five years at Louis Vuitton, where he oversaw the brand’s communication and image strategies, the manager has more than 20 years at the Prada Group, holding positions of increasing responsibility in the marketing and sales areas, until taking on the role of communication & marketing director.
Although he is pigeonholed by some as a PR and communications manager, Cantino has transversal experience that goes beyond marketing and crosses over into merchandising and distribution. Especially during his years spent at Prada, he was involved in all aspects of the business, working closely with Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada.
“Cantino’s appointment is another step in the consolidation of the brand management. Thanks to his extensive experience in strategic roles at leading companies in the luxury industry, Stefano will be able to make a valuable contribution to the consolidated leadership of Jean-François and the strong creativity of Sabato De Sarno.
Together with them and the entire Gucci team, we will write a new successful chapter in the history of this magnificent brand of ours,” said Francesca Bellettini, who was appointed deputy CEO, Kering, in charge of the group’s brand development last July.
Even when he was at Vuitton, he had joined in 2018, Cantino’s responsibility in communications and events had extended to areas more related to retail.
“I am proud to join Gucci, the maison that boasts the most precious historical-creative heritage of luxury in Italy, as it opens a new chapter in its history. I look forward to contributing to the definition and implementation of the strategy initiated by Jean-François Palus and to working with the entire Gucci team towards new successes,” commented Cantino.
Cantino is the second top executive to join Gucci in this re-launch phase with Prada experience on his CV: in addition to him there is Massimo Vian, industrial and supply chain director, who had been director of operations at Bertelli and Miuccia Prada’s maison.
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