Kering Enhances Board Composition with Experienced Luxury Industry Executives and Strategic Leadership

Kering Enhances Board Composition with Experienced Luxury Industry Executives and Strategic Leadership

(IN BRIEF) Kering has proposed the appointment of Marie-Hélène Chenut and Laurent Kleitman as independent directors to its Board, subject to approval at the May 2026 Annual General Meeting. Both candidates bring extensive experience in the luxury and consumer sectors, strengthening the Board’s strategic expertise and global outlook. At the same time, long-serving director Jean-Pierre Denis will step down after nearly 18 years of service, having played a key role in governance and sustainability initiatives. Following these changes and the expiration of other mandates, Kering’s Board is expected to maintain a strong balance of independence, diversity, and international representation, supporting the company’s long-term strategic direction.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 21-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Kering has announced planned changes to the composition of its Board of Directors, with the proposed appointment of two new independent directors to be submitted for approval at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 28, 2026.

The Board, following recommendations from its Appointments and Governance Committee, intends to nominate Marie-Hélène Chenut and Laurent Kleitman as independent directors. Their appointments are expected to bring additional expertise and international perspective to the company’s governance structure.

Marie-Hélène Chenut brings more than three decades of experience within the luxury sector, having held senior operational and strategic roles at Chanel. Her career included leadership responsibilities in marketing, business development, and talent management, culminating in her role overseeing Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear ateliers. Her deep understanding of brand positioning, operational excellence, and the expectations of global luxury consumers is expected to strengthen the Board’s strategic capabilities.

Laurent Kleitman currently serves as Group Chief Executive and Director of Mandarin Oriental. With over 30 years of international leadership experience across the luxury, beauty, and consumer goods industries, he has previously held senior executive roles at Parfums Christian Dior, LVMH, Coty, and Unilever. His expertise in managing global brands, combined with strong financial and strategic insight, is expected to contribute significantly to Kering’s ongoing development.

At the same time, Jean-Pierre Denis has announced his decision to step down from the Board, with his resignation taking effect at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting. Denis has been a member of the Board since 2008, serving in key roles including Chairman of the Audit Committee from 2012 to 2020, Vice-Chairman of the same committee thereafter, and member of both the Remuneration and Sustainability Committees. He has also played a leading role in advancing climate-related initiatives within the group since 2022.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed appreciation for Denis’ long-standing contribution, highlighting his commitment, rigor, and early advocacy for sustainability within the company. His leadership in governance and environmental matters has been recognized as an important influence on Kering’s strategic direction.

Subject to shareholder approval, and taking into account the conclusion of the mandates of Maureen Chiquet and Yonca Dervisoglu, the Board of Directors will consist of 13 members following the Annual General Meeting. The composition would include a majority of independent directors, a strong level of gender diversity, and representation across multiple nationalities, reflecting Kering’s commitment to balanced and international governance.

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About Kering

Kering is a global, family-led luxury group, home to people whose passion and expertise nurture creative Houses across couture and ready-to-wear, leather goods, jewelry, eyewear and beauty: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin, Ginori 1735, as well as Kering Eyewear. Inspired by their creative heritage, Kering Houses design and craft exceptional products and experiences that reflect the Group’s commitment to excellence, sustainability and culture. This vision is expressed in our signature: Creativity is our Legacy. In 2025, Kering employed 44,000 people and generated revenue of €14.7 billion.

Contacts

Press
Emilie Gargatte    +33 (0)1 45 64 61 20    emilie.gargatte@kering.com
Pénélope Linage    +33 (0)6 76 09 42 10    penelope.linage-ext@kering.com

Analysts/investors
Philippine de Schonen    +33 (0)6 13 45 68 39    philippine.deschonen@kering.com
Victoria Gerard    +33 (0)6 79 39 85 16    victoria.gerard@kering.com

SOURCE: Kering