PARIS (Reuters) – French luxury group Kering (EPA:) on Thursday named former Louis Vuitton and Prada (OTC:) communications chief Stefano Cantino as deputy CEO of Gucci to help revive the Italian brand.
Cantino, who will start his new role on May 2, will report to Jean-François Palus, president and CEO of Gucci, the statement said.
“In this new position, Stefano Cantino will share with Jean-François Palus the responsibility for defining and implementing the brand strategy,” the statement said.
Gucci has lagged behind rivals over the past two years, prompting a staff shakeup that saw CEO Marco Bizzarri leave last year and Palus take over the top job.
Cantino joins Gucci after spending more than five years at Louis Vuitton, where he oversaw communications and image.
Previously, Cantino worked for over 20 years at the Prada Group, where he most recently served as director of communications and marketing.