In a surprising move, Luca de Meo, the well-known CEO of Renault, has decided to leave the French car company to take on a new role outside the automotive industry. Reports suggest he will soon become the new chief executive of Kering, the luxury fashion group that owns famous brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. The news was confirmed by Renault on Sunday, though Kering has not yet made an official statement.

Luca de Meo, an Italian executive known for his energetic leadership, spent five years at Renault. During his time there, he played a key role in shifting the company’s focus toward electric vehicles and restructuring its long-standing partnership with Nissan, a Japanese carmaker. His departure marks the end of an important chapter for Renault, which is partly owned by the French government. The company stated that de Meo will officially leave in mid-July to pursue "new challenges."

Meanwhile, French newspaper Le Figaro reported that de Meo is set to take over as CEO of Kering, replacing François-Henri Pinault, who has led the luxury group since 2005. Pinault, whose family founded Kering, is reportedly planning to step down from his CEO role while remaining as chairman. This leadership change comes at a difficult time for Kering, as the company has struggled with declining profits and frequent changes in designers at Gucci, its most important brand.

Kering’s stock market performance has been weak over the past two years, with its share price dropping by more than 60%. Investors have been concerned about the company’s ability to revive Gucci’s sales, which were once its biggest source of revenue. Recently, Kering canceled a meeting with financial analysts without explanation, adding to the uncertainty about its future plans.

If de Meo does join Kering, it will be a major shift in his career, moving from cars to high-end fashion. His experience in turning around struggling businesses could be valuable for Kering, which is trying to regain its position in the competitive luxury market. However, the fashion industry is very different from the automotive world, and it remains to be seen how de Meo will adapt to this new challenge.

Renault, on the other hand, will now have to find a new leader to continue its transition to electric vehicles and maintain its alliance with Nissan. The French government, which owns a 15% stake in Renault, will likely play a role in selecting the next CEO.

The sudden change has sparked discussions in both the automotive and fashion industries. Many are curious about why de Meo chose to leave Renault at this stage and what his plans are for Kering. Some experts believe his strong background in branding and marketing—skills he honed while working for companies like Fiat and Volkswagen—could help Kering strengthen its luxury labels.

For now, both companies are keeping details under wraps. Renault has only confirmed de Meo’s departure, while Kering has declined to comment on the reports. As the situation develops, more information is expected to come out in the coming weeks.

This unexpected move highlights how top executives sometimes make bold career changes, switching industries in pursuit of new opportunities. For Luca de Meo, leading a luxury fashion empire like Kering would be a completely different experience from running a car company. Whether he succeeds or not, his decision has already made headlines and left many wondering what’s next for both Renault and Kering.

The business world will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds. Will de Meo bring fresh ideas to revive Kering’s struggling brands? And who will step in to lead Renault through its next phase of growth? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this is a major shake-up in the corporate world.

As the story continues to develop, updates will likely come from official sources. For now, all eyes are on Luca de Meo as he prepares to take on this unexpected new role in the world of high fashion. His journey from cars to couture is sure to be one of the most talked-about business stories of the year.

Both Renault and Kering are at critical points in their histories, and leadership changes like this can have a big impact on their future. Customers, employees, and investors will all be waiting to see what happens next. Whatever the outcome, this is a reminder that even the biggest companies can face sudden and surprising changes at the top.

In the end, the success of this move will depend on how well de Meo can adapt to the luxury industry and whether his strategies help Kering bounce back. For Renault, the search for a new CEO will be crucial in maintaining its momentum in the fast-changing automotive market. The coming months will reveal whether these bold moves pay off for both companies.

This story is still unfolding, and more details are expected soon. Until then, the business community will be analyzing every piece of information, trying to predict what this major leadership change means for Renault, Kering, and the industries they operate in. One thing is clear—Luca de Meo’s career is taking a dramatic new turn, and the world is watching.