Group 1 - Luca de Meo will step down as CEO of Renault Group effective July 15, seeking new challenges outside the automotive industry [1] - The Renault board has initiated the selection process for a new CEO, with internal candidates Francesca Bellettini and Jean-Marc Duplaix identified, while external candidates may also be considered [1] - De Meo is expected to take over as CEO of Kering, replacing Francois-Henri Pinault, amid speculation about a potential split of the CEO and Chairman roles at Kering [4] Group 2 - Luca de Meo, born in 1967 in Milan, Italy, has a background in automotive management, having worked at Renault, Toyota Europe, Fiat, and Volkswagen, where he led Seat to record sales [5] - Under De Meo's leadership since July 2020, Renault has undergone significant restructuring, including a reduction of global factory capacity and a focus on profitability rather than revenue growth [8][10] - Renault's performance has improved significantly, with 2024 projected sales of 2.26 million vehicles, a revenue increase of 7.4% to €56.2 billion, and a record operating profit of €4.26 billion, reflecting a successful turnaround [10]

Group 1 - Kering Group is preparing to appoint Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, as its next CEO to address challenges in the luxury market [1][3] - Following the announcement, Kering's stock price surged by 8.3% in early Paris trading, marking the largest increase in over two months, while Renault's stock price declined [1][3] - Kering has faced difficulties in keeping pace with competitors like LVMH and Hermès, particularly due to Gucci's struggles in the Chinese market [3][4] Group 2 - Kering's current CEO, François-Henri Pinault, has held the position for over 20 years and has faced criticism for a relatively laissez-faire management style [3][4] - The company has seen its stock price decline nearly 80% since reaching a historical high in August 2021, despite attempts to revitalize the brand through new designer appointments [4] - De Meo has a successful track record at Renault, where he led the company out of difficulties and improved profitability, but Renault's market value remains only slightly above half that of Kering [4][5] Group 3 - De Meo's leadership at Renault included significant restructuring and partnerships with tech giants, which contributed to a recovery in profitability [4] - Renault is currently facing challenges in the U.S. and Chinese markets, which may limit De Meo's future prospects in the automotive industry [5] - The departure of De Meo from Renault has created uncertainty regarding the company's strategic direction and leadership [5][6]