PARIS (Reuters) - French luxury group Kering has named Francesca Bellettini the new chief executive of its flagship Gucci brand,  replacing Stefano Cantino after just nine months in the job, in the first major management change under new group CEO Luca de Meo.

Italian Bellettini, who started her career as a banker before climbing up the ranks of Kering's labels, has been one of the group's two deputy CEOs since 2023, overseeing a stable of brands also including Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta.

Jean-Marc Duplaix will remain Kering's chief operating officer, the company said, adding that Duplaix's and Bellettini's former deputy CEO roles will be scrapped under de Meo. 

Bellettini's move to Gucci, which has seen sales slide by double-digits in recent years after a period of strong growth before the pandemic, comes as Kering is rushing to address the problems of its former star label.

The move also clarifies roles and responsibilities in de Meo's executive suite, a key demand from analysts and investors.