Luca de Meo's abrupt departure as Renault CEO has kicked off a search for his successor, with analysts mentioning longtime insider Denis Le Vot and Maxime Picat of rival Stellantis as suitable fits to continue the French automaker's turnaround. Fiona Jones reports.

The former chief executive of the carmaker Renault will replace Francois-Henri Pinault as the struggling company seeks a turnaround.

Francois-Henri Pinault, who has held the CEO title since 2005, is to remain chairman of the family-controlled luxury group. De Meo is expected to start on Sept. 15.

(Reuters) -Gucci-owner Kering has appointed Luca de Meo, currently CEO of French carmaker Renault, as its new chief executive, it said on Monday. Below are some facts about the new head of the French luxury group, whose brands include Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta.

The struggling French luxury group is set to name Renault Chief Executive Luca de Meo as CEO, replacing Francois-Henri Pinault, people familiar with the matter said.

Luca de Meo, who joins the struggling luxury firm from car maker Renault, will succeed François-Henri Pinault, who will remain chairman of the board.

The following is a timeline of the major events in the French luxury fashion group's history. 1962 - Francois Pinault founds Etablissements Pinault, a timber trading company based in Rennes that will transform into Kering.