WHO IS HE? De Meo, 58, is from Milan, Italy, and has more than 30 years' experience working in the automotive sector. He graduated from the Luigi Bocconi Commercial University wit

A series of delicate issues awaits the Italian executive, who comes from Renault: an unfavorable economic climate, significant group debt and the collapse of sales at flagship brand Gucci. Financial markets have responded positively to the announcement of his appointment.

Under a new arrangement, the role of Chief Executive Officer will be separated from that of Chairman of the Board of Directors, currently held by François-Henri Pinault