Description

Kering, the most influential global Luxury group, manages the development of renowned Houses in Fashion, Leather Goods, and Jewelry: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Qeelin, and Kering Eyewear. Finding commonality between these brands could be seen as a challenge; but Kering’s signature “Empowering Imagination” has enabled each of these brands, and the Group, to thrive.

“Empowering Imagination” means strengthening creativity, passion, and curiosity at all levels of the organization. Consider the Gucci ArtLab, a centre of industrial craftsmanship and experimentation where over 1,000 people work on creating prototypes of leather goods and shoes; or Bottega Veneta, which launched a virtual laboratory of creativity during the early days of the pandemic to showcase chefs, artists, and musicians.

At Kering, one cannot mention creativity without sustainability, which lies at the heart of the Group’s strategy. More than an ethical necessity, it is a driver of innovation and value creation for the Group, its Houses, and its stakeholders.

In 2012, Kering developed an innovative tool for measuring and quantifying the environmental impact of its activities: the Environmental Profit & Loss (EP&L) account. The EP&L is a key enabler of a sustainable business model, and one that Kering hopes its Luxury industry cohorts and other sectors will adopt. Beyond this, Kering’s sustainability strategy is supported by numerous initiatives, such as Alexander McQueen’s partnership with Vestiaire Collective, Balenciaga’s resell program, and Gucci Equilibrium, the House’s sustainable program and portal connecting people, planet, and purpose.

Kering continues to explore the intersection of creativity and its core values. Between fashion shows by Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, and Balenciaga in locations across the U.S., and high-profile events such as the Kering Foundation’s Caring For Women Dinner, an event that raised millions for non-profit organizations working to end gender-based violence, Kering Americas has showcased an agile strategy, positioning itself as a key region for the world’s most influential luxury group. Leading this strategy is Laurent Claquin, President of Kering Americas.

Claquin joined Kering in 2004 as an advisor to François-Henri Pinault. “I learned from the [Pinault] family that success in business is really about entrepreneurship, taking risks, believing in something, daring, and taking action,” he said.

Laurent Claquin will join the Club for an exclusive conversation about Kering; focusing on what makes Kering unique today: its people, creativity, sustainability, and more. Join us for this special conversation.

Participants must register by NOON on October 26th to receive details on joining the discussion. The Zoom link will be sent out 24 hours before the event.

Please note that no refunds will be issued.