Nathalie Raynaud named Deputy CEO as Balenciaga enters Pierpaolo Piccioli era
Kering boosts female leadership with Raynaud’s promotion, as Pierpaolo Piccioli prepares to succeed Demna as Balenciaga’s Creative Director
Pierpaolo Piccioli Named Creative Director of Balenciaga, Nathalie Raynaud to Support as Deputy CEO
The fashion industry never stands still, and today, one of the most significant creative shifts of the year has just been confirmed: Pierpaolo Piccioli, the former long-standing creative director of Valentino, has been officially appointed as the new Creative Director of Balenciaga. His arrival signifies a new era for the historic maison owned by Kering, which has also promoted its managerial Nathalie Raynaud to Deputy CEO, further strengthening its leadership team.
As Balenciaga embarks on this new chapter after Demna’s creative tenure, François-Henri Pinault’s Kering Group is not only focusing on a high-calibre artistic transition but is also reinforcing its strategic commitment to experienced female leadership.
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Kering Strengthens Balenciaga’s Leadership for the Pierpaolo Piccioli New Era
Pierpaolo Piccioli has been appointed to take over after Demna departed from Balenciaga, as the Georgian designer prepares to lead Gucci, another Kering-owned brand, following Sabato De Sarno’s brief chapter.
Meanwhile, Nathalie Raynaud will work alongside Balenciaga’s newly appointed CEO, Gianfranco Gianangeli, to provide operational and strategic support to Piccioli as he implements his vision for the brand.
Raynaud has an impressive track record in leather goods and accessories. She began her career in 2006 at Christian Dior Couture (LVMH), where she managed the timepieces division. In 2008, she moved to Louis Vuitton, where, over eight years, she played a pivotal role in shaping the women’s leather goods segment, holding senior positions in both product development and marketing.
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In 2016, Raynaud showcased her entrepreneurial acumen by launching and expanding the accessories category at Maje (SMCP Group). Later, she joined Lanvin, where her strategic leadership in accessories was crucial in repositioning and solidifying the brand’s market presence.
Since joining Balenciaga in 2021, Nathalie Raynaud has held significant roles within the company, initially serving as the Director of the Leather Goods & Shoes Business Unit until May 2023, and then as the Chief Product Officer for Ready-to-Wear, Leather Goods, and Footwear. During her time in these positions and under Demna’s creative direction, she was instrumental in the successful launch of key handbag lines including the Cagole, Rodeo, and Bel Air.
Female Executives Rise in Luxury: Inside Kering’s Boardroom Strategy
Nathalie Raynaud’s recent promotion to Deputy CEO reflects a broader initiative within Kering to empower female leaders at the highest levels of its brands. In an interview with WWD, CEO Gianangeli noted that her new role “strengthens our strategic focus, especially in the architecture of our collections and product offer, and ensures we’re ready to support the vision of our new creative director.”
The group’s executive leadership increasingly reflects this commitment. In addition to Raynaud, Kering’s female leadership includes Nathalie Berger-Duquene, CEO of Creed; Raffaella Cornaggia, CEO of Kering Beauté; Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato; Maria Cristina Loranto, General Manager of Gucci; and Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of International Institutional Affairs at Kering.
As the fashion industry becomes more complex, Kering’s dual investment in creative excellence and executive diversity strategically positions the group for long-term growth, ensuring that innovation, gender equity, and global influence go hand in hand.
Silvia Tarini
Editor, Milan