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François-Henri Pinault

Chairman & CEO, Kering

Search every verified François-Henri Pinault interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. At Kering’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, François-Henri Pinault stated that it was at his initiative that the board separated the roles of chairman and chief executive officer the previous year, describing it as a pivotal moment to reinforce organizational efficiency and balance responsibilities. He expressed confidence in Gucci’s ability to reinvent itself and in the potential of Kering’s jewelry houses, which were consolidated into a separate division under Jean-Marc Duplex. Pinault also said the company should not give in to impatience amid international uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. During Kering’s Capital Markets Day in Florence, Pinault outlined a strategic plan called “Reconquering,” focused on reigniting desirability and operational excellence. He noted that between 2022 and 2025, Kering’s revenues declined by €5.7 billion and EBIT margins dropped from 27% to 11%. The plan includes right-sizing the retail network, with two-thirds of stores to be refurbished or relocated and overall selling space reduced by around 20%. Pinault also highlighted investments in technology, data, and a creative residency in partnership with Shanghai Fashion Week to deepen local insights in China.

Recent appearances

Notable quotes

“We are moving from four independent uh jewelers to one coherent powerful activity that is carrying jewelry under the let's say leadership and the stewardship of Jean Makup that everybody knows. This is a critical step in the gradual integration of Razel Defi Franco Group.”

“We are right sizing the network with fewer stores and better stores. Worldwide, twothirds of the network will be refurbished or relocated. Overall selling space will decrease by around 20% and outlets will be reduced by one/ird to protect brand equity and full price performance.”

“Between 2022 and 2025, carrying revenues declined by 5.7 billions while EBIT margins dropped from 27 to 11%. Return on capital employed collapsed from more than 20% to 6%. net debt moved from zero to around 10.5 billion before decreasing approximately at 8 billion at year end 2025.”

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