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.

Gucci parent, Kering, appointed Renault's former CEO, Luca de Meo, as its chief executive, as the company struggles to improve its weak performance.

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.

Luca de Meo, who resigned from carmaker Renault on Sunday, is widely tipped to succeed François-Henri Pinault at the management helm of the French luxury group.