Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri to exit in September

Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri is to exit the Kering-owned luxury house in September following the departure of its creative director Alessandro Michele at the end of last year.

Bizzarri will be replaced on an interim basis by managing director Jean-Francois Palus, as Kering seeks to revive the fortunes of its flagship house.

In a statement Kering Chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault: "Jean-Francois has been my right-hand man and a daily sparring partner for several decades. He will now focus his energy on getting our largest asset in top shape."

Bizzarri will leave Gucci on 23 September as new creative chief Sabato De Sarno presents his first collection for the house.

De Sarno, a relatively unknown figure, joined Gucci from Valentino in January to replace Michele. His arrival is expected to herald a new more understated creative director for Gucci after Michele's maximalism.

Michele and Bizzarri presided over a period of stellar growth at Gucci before sales began to slow. It was understood that Michele was unprepared to compromise on his exuberant designs and so it was decided he should move on after a seven-year stint.

Other changes at Kering include the appointment of Francesca Bellettini, who has run Yves Saint Laurent since 2013, to the position of Kering's deputy CEO in charge of brand development. Group finance chief Jean-Marc Duplaix has been named as Kering deputy CEO in charge of operations and finance.