Francesca Bellettini Charting a New Course at Gucci

Francesca Bellettini was born in Cesena, Italy. She earned her economics degree from Bocconi University in Milan, one of Italy’s top business schools. Early in her career, she made her mark in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, working in London and Milan, before finding her calling in fashion. Bellettini’s analytical mind, paired with an instinct for creativity, positioned her to become one of the most respected business leaders in the global luxury sector.  She later joined Helmut Lang, then part of Prada Group, before holding vital commercial development positions at Gucci and Bottega Veneta.

Climbing the Ranks: Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Yves Saint Laurent

Bellettini entered luxury with Prada, serving as Director of Strategic Planning. There, she was instrumental in developing the women’s ready-to-wear business and supporting brand expansion.

At Bottega Veneta, where she was Worldwide Merchandising Director, Bellettini deepened her command of product strategy and international markets. Her ability to blend number-driven insights with brand storytelling soon caught broader industry attention.

Transforming Yves Saint Laurent

In 2013, Bellettini was appointed CEO of Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), a pivotal move that would solidify her legacy. Under her leadership, YSL underwent a dramatic transformation: streamlining operations, boosting digital strategy, reinvigorating retail, and guiding collaborations with creative directors Hedi Slimane and, later, Anthony Vaccarello. During her decade-long term, YSL’s revenue quintupled.

She promoted a corporate culture of collaboration and inclusivity, often stating that there’s no real future unless everyone moves forward together. Her contributions were recognized in 2020 when she was named Chair of the Fashion & Leather Goods division at parent group Kerin.

Appointment as CEO of Gucci

In September 2024, Kering announced the appointment of Francesca Bellettini as CEO of Gucci, its historic flagship brand. She succeeded Marco Bizzarri, a transformative force at Gucci, and took the helm at a crucial moment for the house as it sought to renew growth and creative leadership.

Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault described Bellettini as an exemplary strategic leader who has demonstrated exceptional business vision and a sustained commitment to creative reinvention. Bellettini brought a heightened focus on talent development, client engagement, and the implementation of new digital and sustainability strategies across all Gucci divisions.

Strategic Moves and Early Leadership at Gucci

Since taking office, Bellettini has redirected Gucci to restore its heritage of Italian craftsmanship and high-profile collaborations. She has overseen the recruitment of new creative leads, championed the relaunch of Gucci’s fine jewelry and high watchmaking, and expanded presence in China and the Americas[Business of Fashion]. Under her steer, Gucci is investing heavily in environmental initiatives, traceability, and next-gen clienteling technologies. Gucci must lead not just in fashion, but in culture, ethics, and innovation. That is the new expectation from clients and teams globally.

Her first year at Gucci saw milestone capsule launches, a renewed focus on artisanship, and a high-profile collaboration with contemporary artists for Milan Design Week. Bellettini was also at the forefront of remaking Gucci’s retail network, opening flagship New Gucci experiences in Shanghai, Paris, and Los Angeles.

Industry Recognition, Inclusion, and Influence

Bellettini is widely regarded as a trailblazer for gender diversity in luxury leadership. She has consistently ranked in the Business of Fashion and was awarded Most Influential Woman in European Luxury. She regularly participates in global forums on culture, inclusion, and sustainability in fashion.

Milestones and Achievements Table

Francesca Bellettini’s combination of strategic acumen, cultural vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence positions her as the ideal leader to write the next chapter of Gucci’s storied legacy.