François-henri Pinault on corporate governance
From Kering SA AGM 2026 | Luxury Brand Realignment And Creative Leadership Strategy Backed By Board · · Investing 101
“It was at my initiative that last year the board decided to separate the roles of chairman of the board and chief executive officer. It was a pivotal moment for the company and it seemed essential to me to reinforce the efficiency of our organization and the balance of responsibilities thereby entrusting the executive management with action and execution and the board of its and its chairman with the strategic direction, oversight and long-term vision in accordance with best practices for publicly traded and listed companies.”
On , François-henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO at Kering, spoke about corporate governance during Kering SA AGM 2026 | Luxury Brand Realignment And Creative Leadership Strategy Backed By Board on Investing 101.
About François-henri Pinault
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.