PARIS (Reuters) - French luxury group Kering on Thursday named former Louis Vuitton and Prada communications executive Stefano Cantino as deputy CEO of Gucci to help steer a revival of the Italian label.

Cantino, who will start on May 2, will report to Jean-François Palus, Gucci's President and CEO, the statement said.

"In this newly created position, Stefano Cantino will share with Jean-François Palus the responsibility to define and implement the brand strategy," it said.

Gucci has lagged rivals for the past two years, prompting a reshuffle that saw CEO Marco Bizzarri depart and Palus taking over the top role last year.

Cantino joins Gucci after spending more than five years at Louis Vuitton, where he oversaw Communication and Image.

Before that, Cantino spent over 20 years in Prada Group, where he was last Communication and Marketing Director.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Devika Syamnath)