Former Balenciaga CEO takes over leadership of Saint Laurent

Kering, a renowned luxury brand that also shares information about the “high society” universe, announced this Monday (18) Cédric Charbit as the new CEO of Saint Laurent. Charbit, who previously held the position of CEO at Balenciaga, takes on the role at a time of great movement in the group.

Job changes

With the departure of Cédric Charbit from Balenciaga, where he worked for more than nine years, several changes are expected to impact different areas of the Kering group. This transition is not limited to the brand that Charbit led, but should influence other operations of the luxury conglomerate.

At Balenciaga, Gianfranco Giannangeli, former CEO of Maison Margiela and current executive at Saint Laurent, will assume the role of CEO. Giannangeli brings his extensive experience in the luxury market to lead the brand into a new phase of development and innovation.

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_{Gianfranco Giannangeli attending a fashion event. (Photo: Reproduction/ Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images Embed)}

Francesca Bellettini, who has been at the helm of Saint Laurent since 2013, will continue as deputy CEO of Kering, without taking on new positions for now. His stay in the group reflects the importance of his strategic leadership and his contributions to the brand's success over the years.

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_{Francesa Bellettini in an interview (Photo: reproduction/ Ludovic Marin/AFP/ Getty Images Embed)}

During his tenure, Bellettini promoted relevant changes at Saint Laurent, including the replacement of Hedi Slimane, renowned stylist and photographer, and the appointment of Anthony Vaccarello as creative director. These decisions were fundamental in consolidating the brand's modern identity and boosting its performance in the global luxury market.

Cédric Charbit's trajectory to date

Cédric Charbit, a French graduate from the renowned ESC Toulouse, began his career in 2001 as a buyer in the luxury department at Printemps department stores. During this period, he stood out by taking on high-level responsibilities, consolidating his reputation in the luxury market.

After his experience at Printemps, Charbit became general director of Emilio Pucci, a boutique aimed at a select audience of the upper classes, with an exclusive focus and less mass commercial appeal. He then joined Saint Laurent as vice president of product and marketing. This position was instrumental in expanding its repertoire in the high-end fashion sector and solidifying its connection with the global luxury market.

Charbit later took on the role of CEO of Balenciaga, where he remained until recently, leading the brand through a period of significant growth. Now, he returns to Saint Laurent to lead a new stage in his professional career.

Featured Photo: Cédric Charbit posing for a photo at an event (Reproduction/ Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images embed)