Luca de Meo: From automotive genius to luxury excellence, an extraordinary career path
Luca de Meo, born on 13 June 1967 in Milan, is the archetypal modern executive, capable of transforming iconic companies while maintaining a managerial approach focused on innovation and performance. His career path, marked by resounding successes in the automotive industry, culminates today in his appointment as head of Kering, the French luxury giant. This spectacular transition from cars to luxury illustrates a rare ability to adapt to radically different sectors while maintaining a coherent strategic vision.
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A promising start in the automotive industry
A graduate in business administration from Milan's Bocconi University, Luca de Meo began his career with Renault in 1992. His ability to understand the dynamics of international markets and his strategic sense quickly earned him increasing responsibilities. After a spell with Toyota Europe from 1997, he joined the Fiat Group in 2002 as Director of the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands, Managing Director of Abarth and Commercial Vice-President of Lancia (a struggling brand which he successfully repositioned in the premium segment).
His talent for revitalising flagging brands was confirmed when, under his leadership, the Italian brand Alfa Romeo regained its former lustre thanks to models such as the 159 and the Brera, which once again appealed to sports car enthusiasts.
These successes attracted the attention of the Volkswagen group, which recruited him in 2009 to manage Audi in Spain, then in Germany, where he oversaw the global marketing strategy of the brand with the rings.
Renault's saviour and electric acceleration
In January 2020, Luca de Meo was appointed CEO of Renault, at a time when the French carmaker was going through a particularly difficult period (with a historic loss of €8 billion). The group was facing major economic challenges and needed to accelerate its transition to electric vehicles if it was to remain competitive. As soon as he arrived, he launched the ‘Renaulution’ plan, an ambitious strategy aimed at modernising the brand, cutting costs and accelerating the energy transition.
Under his leadership, Renault returned to growth and launched innovative models such as the Renault 5 electric, which was an immediate commercial success. He also restructured the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, giving it a new dynamic after years of tension. His approach, combining financial rigour and product vision, has earned him international recognition in the automotive sector.
A new challenge: managing Kering, the luxury giant
In June 2025, Luca de Meo surprised the business world by leaving Renault to become CEO of Kering, the French group that owns such prestigious luxury brands as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga. This radical change of sector, from cars to luxury goods, testifies to his exceptional versatility and ability to adapt to very different environments.
As head of Kering, he succeeds François-Henri Pinault, who remains Chairman of the Board of Directors. His mission will be to continue the group's growth while strengthening innovation and sustainability, key challenges for the luxury sector. His experience in managing premium brands and his strategic vision will be major assets in meeting this new challenge.
A unique and inspiring leadership style
Luca de Meo is renowned for his managerial approach, which combines high operational standards with good interpersonal skills. He is often described as a charismatic leader, capable of inspiring his teams while taking bold decisions. His track record shows a rare ability to transform struggling companies into major players in their sector, through a combination of financial rigour, product innovation and long-term vision.
What particularly sets Luca de Meo apart is his ability to anticipate market trends and position the brands he manages as leaders in their sectors. Whether at Alfa Romeo, Audi or Renault, he has always been able to identify opportunities for growth and levers for differentiation. This ability to see beyond immediate constraints to build a long-term vision is undoubtedly what convinced Kering to entrust him with the reins of its luxury empire.
A managerial legacy that inspires future generations
Luca de Meo's career path offers a number of valuable lessons for management students and young professionals. Firstly, he demonstrates that a successful career is not limited to a single sector, but relies on transferable skills: leadership, strategic vision and the ability to adapt to complex environments.
Secondly, his career path shows the importance of developing solid expertise in one field before being able to apply it to other sectors. His years in the automotive industry gave her skills in brand management, product innovation and industrial strategy that are now directly applicable to the luxury sector.
Finally, his professional history illustrates the importance of resilience and the ability to rise to ambitious challenges. At every stage of his career, Luca de Meo has taken calculated risks and turned difficult situations into opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
Luca de Meo's exceptional career path, from the automotive industry to luxury goods and iconic brands, is a source of inspiration for business school students and young professionals alike. He demonstrates that with a combination of technical skills, strategic vision and adaptability, it is possible to succeed in very different sectors while maintaining a coherent managerial approach.
His move from Renault to Kering symbolises a new trend in the business world, where the most talented managers are able to navigate between very different industries, while maintaining an approach focused on performance and innovation. For management students, his career path shows the importance of developing solid expertise while remaining open to unexpected opportunities and ambitious challenges.
