Hermès vs Kering: Founders, CEOs and History
Hermès was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès and is led by Axel Dumas. Kering was founded in 1963 by Francois Pinault and is led by Luca de Meo.
Company facts
Founders
Hermès
Thierry Hermès
Hermès possesses one of the most historic, aristocratic founding stories in the entire luxury sector, rooted not in high fashion or handbags, but in the demanding, utilitarian world of 19th-century equestrian travel.
Kering
Francois Pinault
Kering possesses a fascinating, transformational founding story, representing arguably the most complete corporate metamorphosis in the history of French business, utterly abandoning its original industrial roots to become a leader of high fashion.
CEOs and their tenures
Hermès
- Jean-Louis Dumas1978–2006
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Turned a family saddler into a global luxury house while keeping craftsmanship and family control at the center.
Source - Patrick Thomas2004–2014
Former Chief Executive Officer (Gérant)
Ran Hermès through strong growth in the 2000s and handed over to Axel Dumas, who became co-CEO in 2013 and sole Executive Chairman in 2014.
Source - Axel Dumas2013–present
Executive Chairman (Gérant)
Sixth-generation family member. Became co-CEO in June 2013 and sole Executive Chairman in 2014; under him revenue grew from about $4.29B (€3.8B) (2013) to ~$18.1B (€16.0B) (2025).
Source
Kering
- François-Henri Pinault2005–present
Chairman of the Board
Chief executive from 2005 to September 2025 and chairman since 2005. He led the sale of PPR's retail businesses, the Puma spin-off, the 2013 rename to Kering and the acquisitions of Creed and a 30% stake in Valentino in 2023.
Source - Luca de Meo2025–present
Chief Executive Officer
Former Renault CEO who took over Kering on September 15, 2025. Under his leadership net debt fell from ~$9.04 billion (EUR 8.0 billion) to ~$3.73 billion (EUR 3.3 billion) by June 2026 and comparable revenue returned to growth in H1 2026.
Source - Francesca Bellettini2025–present
President and CEO, Gucci
Appointed Gucci CEO on September 17, 2025, after leading Saint Laurent from 2013 to 2023, a period in which that house grew several times over.
Source
Timeline: Hermès and Kering side by side
1837Hermès
Founding of the Harness Workshop
Thierry Hermès opens his first workshop on the Grands Boulevards in Paris, specializing in the creation of the finest harnesses, bridles, and reins for the carriages of the European nobility.
1922Hermès
Introduction of the Leather Handbag
Under the leadership of Émile Hermès, the house introduces its first leather handbags, inspired by the need for practical, elegant accessories for the new era of the automobile.
1935Hermès
Creation of the Sac dépêches (Kelly Bag)
The house introduces the Sac dépêches, a sleek, leather handbag that would later be renamed the Kelly bag after Grace Kelly was photographed using it to shield her pregnancy in 1956.
1937Hermès
Launch of the First Silk Scarf
To celebrate the company's centennial, the house introduces its first silk scarf, the 'Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches', printed on silk sourced from the finest producers in Asia.
1963Kering
Founding of the Pinault Timber Business
Francois Pinault takes over his family's modest timber trading business in Les Chatelets, Brittany, establishing the foundational operations of what would eventually become the Kering empire.
1984Hermès
Creation of the Birkin Bag
Following a chance encounter on a flight between CEO Jean-Louis Dumas and the actress Jane Birkin, the house creates the Birkin bag, a spacious, unstructured leather bag designed for the modern, active woman.
1988Kering
Acquisition of Printemps
Pinault executes a transformative acquisition, purchasing the prestigious Parisian department store Printemps, marking the company's first major step from industrial distribution into the consumer-facing retail sector.
1999Kering
The Gucci Takeover Battle
Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR) engages in a well-known, hostile corporate battle with LVMH for control of the Gucci Group, ultimately securing a controlling stake and establishing PPR as a major force in the luxury sector.
2001Kering
Acquisition of Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga
Following the consolidation of Gucci, PPR expands its luxury portfolio, acquiring the prestigious Italian leather goods house Bottega Veneta and the historic French fashion house Balenciaga.
2007Kering
Acquisition of Puma
PPR acquires a controlling stake in the German sportswear giant Puma, attempting to create an operational alignment between the luxury fashion and premium sportswear markets, a strategy that would later be reversed.
2013Hermès
Tanneries d'Annonay Acquired
Hermès bought the Annonay calf-leather tannery in Ardèche, extending its control over leather supply.
2013Kering
Rebranding to Kering
Reflecting its complete transition from a diversified retail and industrial conglomerate to a pure-play luxury leader, the company officially changes its name from PPR to Kering.
2015Hermès
Tanneries du Puy Acquired
Hermès Cuirs Précieux acquired long-standing calf-leather supplier Tanneries du Puy, known for box calf.
2018Kering
Spin-off of Puma
Kering completes the spin-off of its remaining stake in Puma to shareholders, marking the final step in its strategic divestiture of non-luxury assets and solidifying its pure-play luxury focus.
2023Kering
Creation of Kering Beaute
Kering created Kering Beaute to run fragrance and cosmetics in-house and agreed to buy Creed; the strategy was reversed in 2025-2026 with the sale to L'Oreal.
2025Hermès
~$18.1B (€16.0B) Revenue and 24th Leather Workshop
Hermès passed ~$18.1B (€16B) in revenue and opened its 24th leather goods workshop at L'Isle-d'Espagnac.
2025Kering
Luca de Meo Becomes CEO as Revenue Falls to EUR 14.675 Billion
Kering separated the chairman and CEO roles, appointed Luca de Meo as chief executive officer, and reported FY2025 revenue of ~$16.6 billion (EUR 14.675 billion) amid a continued Gucci turnaround.
2026Kering
Kering Beaute sold to L'Oreal
L'Oreal completed its ~$4.52 billion (EUR 4 billion) cash acquisition of Kering Beaute, including Creed, on March 31, 2026, alongside 50-year beauty licenses for Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga.
2026Kering
ReconKering plan and return to growth
Kering presented its ReconKering plan on April 16, 2026, and reported H1 2026 revenue of ~$8.16 billion (EUR 7.22 billion), up 1% on a comparable basis, its first growth after twelve quarters of decline.
Acquisitions
Hermès
- Tanneries du Puy2015Undisclosed
- Tanneries d'Annonay2013Undisclosed
- Heng Long (majority stake)2011Undisclosed
- Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier2006Undisclosed
Kering
- Creed2023$3.5B
- Valentino (30% stake)2023$1.7B
- Puma SE2007Undisclosed
- Bottega Veneta2001Undisclosed
- Balenciaga2001Undisclosed
- Boucheron2000Undisclosed
Questions about Hermès vs Kering
Who is the CEO of Hermès International and Kering SA?
Hermès International is led by Axel Dumas and Kering SA is led by Luca de Meo. Both serve as the top executive responsible for the company's strategy, operations, and financial performance.
When was Hermès International founded vs Kering SA?
Hermès International was founded in 1837 — 126 years before Kering SA, which was founded in 1963. Hermès International's longer operating history gives it a deeper track record but also potentially more institutional inertia compared to the younger Kering SA.
How many employees does Hermès International have compared to Kering SA?
Hermès International employs approximately 27,107 people, while Kering SA employs approximately 43,731. Kering SA has the larger workforce at 43,731 employees, compared to Hermès International's 27,107. A higher headcount does not necessarily imply greater efficiency — it often reflects differences in business model (e.g., manufacturing vs. software).
Where are Hermès International and Kering SA headquartered?
Both Hermès International and Kering SA are headquartered in France, meaning they operate under the same primary regulatory and tax environment.
Who founded Hermès International and Kering SA?
Hermès International was founded by Thierry Hermès. Kering SA was founded by Francois Pinault.
Which company has a longer operating history — Hermès International or Kering SA?
Hermès International has been operating for approximately 189 years, making it the more established of the two companies. Kering SA has been in operation for around 63 years. A longer operating history often signals greater institutional resilience and brand recognition, though it can also mean slower adaptation to new market conditions.
Figures come from each company's filings and the sources linked beside them. Amounts reported in another currency are shown in US dollars at an approximate rate and marked with ~. Back to the Hermès vs Kering overview