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'''François-Henri Pinault''' (born 28 May 1962) is a French billionaire businessman who transformed his family's retail conglomerate into one of the world's most powerful luxury fashion empires. As chairman and CEO of [[Kering]] until 2025, he presided over an illustrious portfolio of brands including [[Gucci]], [[Saint Laurent]], [[Balenciaga]], [[Bottega Veneta]], and [[Alexander McQueen]]—generating over €20 billion in annual revenue and dressing the world's elite from red carpets to royal courts.
{{Infobox person
| name = François-Henri Pinault
| image = Francois-Henri_Pinault.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption =
| birth_date = May 28, 1962
| birth_place = [[Rennes]], France
| nationality = French
| education = [[HEC Paris]] (1985)
| alma_mater = [[HEC Paris]]
| occupation = Businessman, executive
| title = Chairman of [[Kering]]
| spouse = {{marriage|Dorothée Lepère|1996|2004|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|[[Salma Hayek]]|2009}}
| partner = [[Linda Evangelista]] (2005-2006)
| children = 4
| parents = [[François Pinault]] (father)<br>Louise Gautier (mother)
| net_worth = US$7-25 billion (estimates vary, 2025)
| website =
}}


Born in Rennes, France, to billionaire industrialist François Pinault, François-Henri spent his formative years learning business from his father before taking control of the family empire in 2005. Over two decades as CEO, he executed a radical strategic pivot: selling off retail assets like department stores and electronics chains to focus exclusively on high-end luxury fashion, betting that wealthy consumers' appetite for status and craftsmanship would prove more profitable than mass-market retail. The gamble paid off spectacularly—Kering's market capitalization grew from approximately €15 billion to over €60 billion under his leadership, while the Pinault family fortune swelled to over $30 billion.
'''François-Henri Pinault''' (born May 28, 1962) is a French billionaire businessman who served as chairman and chief executive officer of [[Kering]], the luxury goods conglomerate, from 2005 until September 2025. He remains chairman of Kering's board of directors following his departure from the CEO role. The son of billionaire [[François Pinault]], he transformed his father's retail conglomerate into one of the world's leading luxury groups, owning brands including [[Gucci]], [[Yves Saint Laurent (brand)|Saint Laurent]], [[Balenciaga]], [[Bottega Veneta]], and [[Alexander McQueen (brand)|Alexander McQueen]]. He is also president of [[Groupe Artémis]], the Pinault family's holding company. Pinault is married to Mexican-American actress [[Salma Hayek]].
 
François-Henri's celebrity profile skyrocketed in 2006 when he began dating Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek, whom he met at a Venetian gala. Their relationship became tabloid fodder—particularly when Hayek became pregnant before marriage, when she married Pinault in a surprise Valentine's Day ceremony in 2009 that she later claimed she "didn't even know was happening," and when critics accused her of being a "gold digger" marrying for money. The couple weathered controversies including Pinault's brief split from Hayek in 2008 during which he fathered a child with supermodel Linda Evangelista, eventually reconciling and becoming one of fashion's most prominent power couples.
 
Beyond fashion and celebrity, Pinault became known for high-profile philanthropy including a €100 million donation to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire, ownership of French football club Stade Rennais, and a growing contemporary art collection. However, his tenure also faced criticism: labor conditions in supply chains producing Kering's luxury goods, environmental concerns about fast fashion consumption even at luxury price points, and questions about whether the consolidation of luxury brands under conglomerates like Kering had commercialized creativity and undermined the artisanal heritage these houses claimed to represent.
 
In 2025, François-Henri stepped down as Kering CEO (though remaining chairman) and passed leadership to automotive executive Luca de Meo, marking a generational transition for the luxury empire his father founded. As of 2025, François-Henri's personal net worth is estimated between $7-25 billion (sources vary), with the broader Pinault family fortune exceeding $30 billion.


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==


François-Henri Pinault was born on 28 May 1962 in Rennes, the capital of Brittany in northwestern France. He is the son of François Pinault, a billionaire industrialist who founded what would become one of France's largest business empires, and Louise Gautier. Growing up in Rennes, François-Henri was immersed in Breton culture—a region known for fierce independence, maritime traditions, and distinct cultural identity within France.
François-Henri Pinault was born on May 28, 1962, in [[Rennes]], the capital of [[Brittany]], France.<ref name="quartr">{{cite web |url=https://quartr.com/insights/business-philosophy/from-timber-to-luxury-the-story-of-francois-henri-pinault-and-kering |title=From Timber to Luxury: The Story of François-Henri Pinault and Kering |work=Quartr |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref> He is the son of [[François Pinault]], who founded a timber trading company in 1963 that would eventually become the retail and luxury conglomerate [[Kering]], and Louise Gautier.<ref name="thefamouspeople">{{cite web |url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/franois-henri-pinault-14557.php |title=François-Henri Pinault Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements |work=The Famous People |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


His father François Pinault Sr. had built a timber trading business in the 1960s, gradually expanding into construction materials, retail, and eventually luxury goods. The family was wealthy but maintained relatively modest public profiles compared to flashier Paris elites. Young François-Henri witnessed his father's dealmaking, strategic pivots, and risk-taking—lessons that would shape his later business philosophy.
Growing up in a privileged environment due to his family's established business success, Pinault attended [[HEC Paris]], one of France's most prestigious business schools, graduating in 1985.<ref name="hec-paris">{{cite web |url=https://www.hec.edu/en/hec-alumni/profiles/francois-henri-pinault |title=François-Henri Pinault |work=HEC Paris |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref> During his studies at HEC, he co-founded the customer relationship management company Soft Computing with fellow students and completed an internship as a database software developer at [[Hewlett-Packard]] in Paris.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois-Henri_Pinault |title=François-Henri Pinault |work=Wikipedia |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


Pinault attended HEC Paris, one of Europe's most prestigious business schools, graduating in 1985. The institution was known for producing France's business and political elite through rigorous training in economics, finance, and strategy. At HEC, Pinault would have networked with future CEOs, government ministers, and financiers who would populate France's tightly interconnected power structure.
After graduating, Pinault fulfilled his [[National service in France|French military service]] at the [[Consulate-General of France in Los Angeles|French Consulate in Los Angeles]], where he was responsible for studying the fashion and new technology sectors in the United States.<ref name="quartr" /> This experience would prove formative, exposing him to the American fashion industry and business practices that would later inform his leadership of Kering.
 
After HEC, Pinault completed military service—then mandatory for French men—before joining the family business in 1987 at age 25. Unlike some heirs who received ceremonial positions, François-Henri worked his way through various operational roles, learning retail management, merchandising, and corporate strategy from the ground up.
 
== Personal life ==
 
=== Relationships and family ===
 
François-Henri Pinault's romantic life has been tabloid fodder, marked by high-profile relationships, a complicated paternity timeline, and eventual marriage to one of Hollywood's most recognizable actresses.
 
'''First marriage to Dorothée Lepère''': In the early 1990s, Pinault married Dorothée Lepère, a French interior designer and businesswoman. The couple had two children:
 
* **François Pinault** (born 1998): Their son, who has largely remained out of the public eye
* **Mathilde Pinault** (born 2001): Their daughter, who has occasionally appeared at fashion events given the family business
 
Pinault and Lepère divorced in the mid-2000s. Details of the separation remain private, though French media speculated about substantial financial settlements given Pinault's growing wealth.
 
'''Relationship with Linda Evangelista''': From September 2005 to January 2006, Pinault dated Canadian supermodel Linda Evangelista, one of the 1990s' iconic "supermodels" known for her quote "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day." The relationship was brief but consequential.
 
In October 2006, Evangelista gave birth to a son, Augustin James Evangelista. However, the timeline overlapped with Pinault's relationship with Salma Hayek, creating media speculation about when exactly Pinault and Evangelista's relationship ended versus when his relationship with Hayek began.
 
The paternity of Evangelista's child became the subject of legal disputes. In 2011, Evangelista filed for child support, with reports suggesting she sought $46,000 per month. The case was eventually settled privately, with Pinault acknowledging paternity and reaching a financial arrangement. The episode revealed the messy reality behind the glamorous facade of fashion industry relationships.
 
'''Marriage to Salma Hayek''': In April 2006—around the time his relationship with Evangelista was ending—Pinault met actress Salma Hayek at a gala held at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice, Italy. The Palazzo Grassi, owned by Pinault's father François Pinault Sr., houses contemporary art exhibitions and frequently hosts events attracting celebrities, artists, and cultural figures.
 
Hayek has described their meeting as "such a romantic, amazing story" but has refused to share details, saying she doesn't want to "vulgarize it." The relationship developed quickly. By March 2007, the couple announced Hayek's pregnancy. Their daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, was born on 21 September 2007.
 
However, in July 2008, representatives announced the couple had ended their engagement, shocking observers who expected an imminent wedding. The breakup occurred during the period when the Linda Evangelista paternity case was emerging publicly, leading to speculation that revelations about Pinault's child with Evangelista had contributed to the split.
 
By autumn 2008, Hayek and Pinault had reconciled. On 14 February 2009—Valentine's Day—they married at Paris's 6th Arrondissement City Hall in a small civil ceremony. In a 2021 interview with Glamour, Hayek revealed the wedding's surprising circumstances: "I didn't even know I was getting married that day. It was like an intervention." She explained that her parents and brother "ganged up on me" because she had "a phobia of the marriage thing" and, despite saying yes to marriage, "just wouldn't actually show up on the day or do it."
 
In April 2009, two months after the civil ceremony, the couple held an elaborate second wedding in Venice at Teatro La Fenice, one of Europe's most famous opera houses. The event was attended by celebrities including Penélope Cruz, Woody Harrelson, Ashley Judd, Charlize Theron, and Edward Norton (Hayek's ex-boyfriend). The Venetian wedding reinforced the city's significance in their relationship, full circle from their first meeting at Palazzo Grassi.
 
=== Family life ===
 
As of 2025, François-Henri and Salma have been married for 16 years. They maintain residences in Paris, Los Angeles, and London, reflecting both Hayek's acting career and Pinault's business responsibilities. Hayek frequently accompanies Pinault to fashion industry events—she is a regular front-row presence at Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga shows—while Pinault occasionally appears at Hollywood events with his wife.
 
Hayek is stepmother to Pinault's three children from previous relationships (François, Mathilde, and Augustin), while Pinault helps parent Hayek's daughter Valentina. In interviews, Hayek has described the blended family dynamics as positive, saying "my husband has three other children. So I have four" and praising Pinault as "the best husband in the world."
 
The couple faced "gold digger" accusations when they married, with critics suggesting Hayek married Pinault for his billions. Hayek addressed this directly: "When I married him, everybody said, 'Oh, it's an arranged marriage, she married him for the money.' Yeah, whatever, bitch. Think what you want. Fifteen years together, and we are strong in love."
 
Notably, in 2024, Hayek revealed the couple has no prenuptial agreement—an unusual arrangement for someone of Pinault's wealth. Hayek also disclosed she maintains financial independence, saying "I support a lot of people" and expressing pride in generating her own income through acting and business ventures including beauty and fashion partnerships.
 
=== Lifestyle and values ===
 
Pinault is described by associates as relatively private and reserved—especially compared to his gregarious wife. He speaks French, English, and some Italian, reflecting his international business operations and time spent in Italy's fashion capital Milan.
 
The couple's lifestyle reflects their combined $7+ billion wealth: a mansion in Paris's prestigious 6th arrondissement, properties in Los Angeles including a $12 million Bel Air estate, regular vacations to exotic locations, and access to Kering's luxury products. However, both Pinault and Hayek have emphasized prioritizing family time and maintaining relative normalcy for their daughter Valentina.
 
Pinault is an art collector, continuing his father's passion for contemporary art. The Pinault family owns works by Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and other blue-chip contemporary artists, displayed at Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice. The family's art holdings are valued in the billions.
 
He also owns Stade Rennais F.C., the professional football club from his hometown Rennes, which competes in France's top division Ligue 1. Pinault purchased the club in 1998 and has invested in facilities and players, though the team has struggled to compete with Paris Saint-Germain's Qatari-backed dominance.


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early career in family business (1987–2005) ===
=== Early career at Pinault Distribution ===
 
François-Henri Pinault joined his father's company Pinault SA in 1987 after completing his HEC degree and military service. The company was then primarily focused on retail through ownership of:
 
* **Printemps**: Upscale Parisian department store chain
* **FNAC**: Books, music, and electronics retailer popular across France
* **Conforama**: Furniture and home goods chain
* **La Redoute**: Mail-order catalog and retail business
 
Pinault worked in various operational roles, managing stores, analyzing markets, and developing strategy. In 1993, the company changed its name to Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR) following the acquisition of Printemps and merger with mail-order company La Redoute.


A critical moment came in 1999 when PPR made a €3 billion bid for 42% of Gucci Group, the Italian luxury house then led by designer Tom Ford and CEO Domenico De Sole. The acquisition was controversial—LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), led by Bernard Arnault, had been pursuing Gucci and resented PPR's successful bid. The Gucci acquisition marked PPR's entry into luxury fashion, a sector that would come to define its future.
In 1987, Pinault joined his father's company, then known as Pinault Distribution. He rose quickly through the organization, being promoted to manager of the buying department in 1988, head manager of France Bois Industries in 1989, and head manager of Pinault Distribution in 1990.<ref name="wikipedia" />


Following Gucci, PPR acquired:
As Pinault Distribution evolved into [[Pinault-Printemps-Redoute]] (PPR), becoming a major international player in the retail sector, Pinault continued his ascent. He became president of [[CFAO Group|CFAO]], a specialized distribution company focused on Africa, in 1993, and was appointed CEO of [[Fnac]], the French electronics and media retailer, in 1997.<ref name="bof">{{cite web |url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/people/francois-henri-pinault |title=François-Henri Pinault |work=Business of Fashion |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


* **Yves Saint Laurent** (1999): The legendary French fashion house
=== Leadership of Kering ===
* **Boucheron** (2000): French jewelry house
* **Balenciaga** (2001): Spanish fashion house with Parisian operations
* **Alexander McQueen** (2001): British fashion house known for avant-garde designs
* **Stella McCartney** (2001): Partnership with the designer


By 2005, PPR owned a portfolio mixing mass-market retail (Printemps, FNAC, Conforama) with high-end luxury (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga). However, the sectors had very different economics, management cultures, and growth prospects.
In May 2003, Pinault was named vice president of PPR and president of [[Groupe Artémis]], PPR's parent company and the Pinault family's investment vehicle. In March 2005, he was appointed president and CEO of Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, effectively taking control of his father's business empire.<ref name="kering-bio">{{cite web |url=https://www.kering.cn/en/group/our-governance/francois-henri-pinault/ |title=François-Henri Pinault |work=Kering |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


=== CEO of PPR/Kering (2005–2025) ===
Under Pinault's leadership, the company underwent a dramatic transformation from a diversified retail conglomerate into a focused luxury goods group. He systematically divested PPR's retail assets, including [[Conforama]], CFAO, [[Printemps (department store)|Printemps]], Fnac, and [[La Redoute (company)|La Redoute]], redirecting the company's focus toward high-end fashion and accessories.<ref name="quartr" />


In March 2005, François-Henri's father stepped back from day-to-day management to focus on art collecting and philanthropy, appointing 42-year-old François-Henri as President and CEO of PPR. The succession was smooth—François Pinault Sr. retained significant ownership and board influence while trusting his son to lead the company's next chapter.
In 2011, Pinault orchestrated the merger of PPR with the [[Gucci Group]], bringing together Gucci, [[Yves Saint Laurent (brand)|Yves Saint Laurent]], [[Bottega Veneta]], [[Balenciaga]], [[Boucheron]], and [[Alexander McQueen (brand)|Alexander McQueen]] under one corporate umbrella. In 2013, he renamed the company Kering - derived from the Breton word "ker" meaning home and the English word "caring" - to reflect its new identity as a pure luxury group.<ref name="modaes">{{cite web |url=https://www.modaes.com/global/back-stage/francois-henri-pinault-a-step-aside |title=François-Henri Pinault Steps Back: A Luxurious Legacy and Strategic Shift at Kering |work=Modaes |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


François-Henri's tenure would be defined by a radical strategic transformation: exiting mass-market retail to focus exclusively on luxury fashion.
During his tenure, Kering expanded its portfolio through acquisitions including [[Brioni]], [[Girard-Perregaux]], [[Pomellato]], and [[Ulysse Nardin]], establishing the company as one of the three major global luxury conglomerates alongside [[LVMH]] and [[Richemont]].<ref name="bof" />


==== Retail divestments (2005–2013) ====
=== Departure as CEO ===


Pinault analyzed PPR's portfolio and concluded that luxury brands offered superior profit margins, growth potential, and defensibility compared to retail chains facing pressure from e-commerce and discount competitors. Over eight years, he systematically sold retail assets:
In June 2025, Kering announced that Pinault would step down as CEO, to be replaced by [[Luca de Meo]], the CEO of [[Renault]]. De Meo, credited with revitalizing the French automaker, took over on September 15, 2025. Pinault retained his position as chairman of Kering's board of directors.<ref name="fashiondive">{{cite web |url=https://www.fashiondive.com/news/kering-ceo-luca-de-meo-pinault/750822/ |title=Kering names new CEO |work=Fashion Dive |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


* **Conforama** (2011): Sold to South African retailer Steinhoff
The leadership change came after years of declining performance at Kering, with the company's share price falling by over 60% from its 2021 peak. Gucci, the group's flagship brand accounting for roughly half of revenues, had struggled to maintain momentum, while [[Balenciaga]] and [[Yves Saint Laurent (brand)|Saint Laurent]] also faced headwinds. The company was managing more than €10 billion in debt at the time of the transition.<ref name="bloomberg-pinault">{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-05/gucci-owner-s-fortunes-rest-on-heir-letting-new-ceo-do-his-job |title=Pinault's Reign at Kering Ends With Group at One of Lowest Points in History |work=Bloomberg |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>
* **CFAO** (2012): Sold African distribution business
* **Printemps** (2013): Sold the department store chain
* **FNAC** (2013): Separated and spun off the electronics retailer
* **La Redoute** (2014): Sold the catalog business


These divestitures generated billions in proceeds, which Pinault reinvested into strengthening luxury brands through advertising, store openings, digital commerce, and designer talent.
Marco Taricco, co-founder of [[Bluebell Capital Partners]], which took a stake in Kering in 2023, noted that pressure on Pinault to relinquish the CEO role had been building for some time.<ref name="bloomberg-pinault" />


==== Kering rebrand (2013) ====
=== Groupe Artémis ===


In June 2013, Pinault renamed PPR to "Kering"—a name derived from his family's Breton roots (the Breton word "ker" means "home") while also suggesting "caring." The rebrand symbolized completion of the transformation from retail conglomerate to pure-play luxury group.
Since 2003, Pinault has served as president of [[Groupe Artémis]], the Pinault family's investment holding company. Through Artémis, the family maintains a controlling stake in Kering (approximately 41%) and owns diverse assets including:<ref name="wikipedia" />


Kering's portfolio by 2013 included:
* [[Christie's]] auction house
 
* [[Château Latour]] vineyard
'''Major brands''':
* [[Stade Rennais F.C.]] football club
* Gucci (the crown jewel, generating 60%+ of profits)
* [[Le Point]] news magazine
* Saint Laurent
* [[Tallandier]] publishing house
* Bottega Veneta
* [[Ponant]] cruise line
* Balenciaga
* Fashion brands [[Courrèges]] and [[Giambattista Valli]]
* Alexander McQueen
* [[Champagne Jacquesson]] and [[Clos de Tart]] winemakers
 
'''Smaller brands''':
* Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin (jewelry)
* Brioni (menswear)
* Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin (watches)
 
==== Gucci crisis and turnaround (2014–2019) ====
 
A major test came when Gucci, Kering's profit engine, entered crisis. Sales stagnated, designs felt tired, and competitors like Louis Vuitton and Chanel were stealing market share. In 2015, Pinault made a bold decision: replacing Gucci's creative director with then-unknown Alessandro Michele.
 
Michele's appointment was risky—he had never led a major brand—but his maximalist, gender-fluid, eclectic aesthetic revolutionized Gucci. Within two years, Gucci's revenue grew from €3.5 billion (2015) to €6.2 billion (2017), with double-digit growth continuing through 2019. The turnaround vindicated Pinault's creative instincts and willingness to take risks.
 
==== Balenciaga and Saint Laurent renaissance ====
 
Pinault also successfully revitalized other brands:
 
* **Saint Laurent**: Under creative director Anthony Vaccarello (hired 2016), the brand reclaimed its rock-and-roll glamour heritage, growing revenue from €700 million to over €2 billion.
 
* **Balenciaga**: Under Demna (creative director from 2015), the brand became a cultural phenomenon—its oversized hoodies, Triple S sneakers, and ironic designs captured millennial and Gen Z consumers. Revenue grew from under €500 million to over €2 billion by 2024.
 
==== Financial performance ====
 
Under François-Henri's leadership, Kering's financial performance was strong:
 
* **Revenue growth**: From approximately €9.7 billion (2005) to over €20 billion (2024)
* **Operating margin**: Improved from mid-teens percentage to over 20% by focusing on luxury
* **Market capitalization**: Grew from approximately €15 billion to peaks over €80 billion (varying with luxury market cycles)
* **Shareholder returns**: Substantial capital appreciation plus modest dividends
 
However, Kering lagged behind rival LVMH, which grew faster and achieved higher valuations under Bernard Arnault. The comparison became uncomfortable: LVMH's market cap exceeded €400 billion at peaks, dwarfing Kering's €60-80 billion. Critics argued Pinault had been too cautious in acquisitions, allowing LVMH to buy brands like Tiffany, Bulgari, and Christian Dior.
 
=== Resignation and transition (2025) ===
 
In early 2025, François-Henri Pinault announced he would step down as CEO of Kering, though remaining as chairman of the board. Luca de Meo, former Renault CEO and automotive executive, was appointed as his successor—an unconventional choice from outside the fashion industry.
 
The transition sparked speculation about reasons for Pinault's departure: some suggested he wanted more time for family and personal interests; others pointed to pressure from activist investors concerned about Kering's underperformance relative to LVMH; still others noted succession planning as Pinault approached his mid-60s.
 
As chairman, Pinault retains significant influence given his family's ownership stake (approximately 40% of Kering through holding company Artémis). However, day-to-day operations now belong to de Meo.
 
== Business philosophy ==
 
François-Henri Pinault's business approach emphasized several key principles:
 
'''Brand autonomy''': Unlike some luxury conglomerates that imposed standardized processes, Pinault allowed creative directors significant freedom, believing luxury brands needed authentic creative vision rather than corporate bureaucracy.
 
'''Selective acquisitions''': Rather than accumulating dozens of brands like LVMH, Pinault focused on developing existing brands organically. Critics argued this left Kering vulnerable to over-reliance on Gucci; supporters praised disciplined capital allocation.
 
'''Sustainability rhetoric''': Kering published extensive environmental and social metrics, positioning itself as the luxury industry's sustainability leader. However, critics questioned whether selling $2,000 handbags was fundamentally compatible with environmental responsibility.
 
'''Digital transformation''': Pinault invested heavily in e-commerce, social media marketing, and data analytics—recognizing younger luxury consumers discovered and purchased brands differently than previous generations.


== Controversies ==
== Controversies ==


=== Labor and supply chain issues ===
=== Balenciaga advertising scandal ===


Kering faced recurring criticism about labor conditions in supply chains producing its luxury goods:
In November 2022, Kering-owned [[Balenciaga]] faced severe backlash over advertising campaigns that critics characterized as sexualizing children. The campaigns featured children holding teddy bears dressed in [[BDSM]] harnesses, and a separate advertisement included an image from a [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] opinion in a child pornography case as a prop.<ref name="foxnews">{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/balenciaga-parent-company-ceo-wife-salma-hayek-silent-ad-controversy-involving-children-bdsm-teddy-bears |title=Balenciaga parent company CEO, wife Salma Hayek silent on ad controversy involving children, BDSM teddy bears |work=Fox News |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


* **Italian workshops**: Investigations revealed some Italian suppliers contracted by Kering brands employed undocumented workers in poor conditions despite "Made in Italy" labels suggesting artisanal craftsmanship
Balenciaga subsequently pulled the advertisements, issued an apology for what it called "grievous errors," and announced plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for including the inappropriate content. Both Pinault and his wife [[Salma Hayek]] remained publicly silent during the initial controversy, drawing criticism given Pinault's role as Kering's CEO.<ref name="foxnews" />
* **Exotic skins**: Animal rights groups targeted Kering over sourcing of crocodile, python, and other exotic skins for luxury bags and shoes
* **Wage theft**: Former workers at supplier factories alleged wage theft, excessive hours, and unsafe conditions


Kering responded by publishing audits, implementing supplier codes of conduct, and investing in traceability. However, critics argued these measures were public relations rather than structural reform.
The scandal led to broader scrutiny of Kering's brands and damaged Balenciaga's reputation, contributing to ongoing struggles at the fashion house. Creative director [[Demna|Demna Gvasalia]], who was responsible for the campaign, later became creative director of Gucci in 2025.<ref name="scmp-balenciaga">{{cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3212647/pfw2023-balenciagas-attempts-redemption-after-bondage-bear-scandal-creative-director-demna-returned |title=Balenciaga attempts redemption after bondage bear scandal |work=South China Morning Post |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


=== Environmental record ===
Notably, Kering had previously announced in 2020 that it would only hire models over age 18 for its brands' runway shows and photo shoots. In a statement at the time, Pinault said: "As a global luxury group, we are conscious of the influence exerted on younger generations in particular by the images produced by our Houses. We believe that we have a responsibility to put forward the best possible practices in the luxury sector."<ref name="fashionlaw">{{cite web |url=https://www.thefashionlaw.com/gucci-balenciaga-amp-saint-laurents-parent-co-says-no-more-models-under-age-18/ |title=Gucci, Balenciaga & Saint Laurent's Parent Co. Says No More Models Under Age 18 |work=The Fashion Law |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


Despite Kering's sustainability rhetoric, environmental groups questioned:
=== Christie's art controversy ===


* **Overproduction**: Luxury brands produce excess inventory, some of which is destroyed rather than discounted—wasteful despite premium prices
Following the Balenciaga scandal, critics drew attention to controversial artworks sold through [[Christie's]], which is owned by Groupe Artémis. Mannequin sculptures by artists [[Jake and Dinos Chapman]] featuring sexually explicit imagery drew particular criticism. However, there is no evidence that Pinault had direct involvement in selecting works for auction, and the Chapman brothers are established contemporary artists who were nominated for the [[Turner Prize]] in 2003.<ref name="newsweek-christies">{{cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/balenciaga-critics-take-aim-christies-selling-disturbing-art-mannequins-children-1763080 |title=Online Balenciaga critics take aim at Christie's selling "disturbing" art |work=Newsweek |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>
* **Marketing-driven consumption**: Kering's business model depends on convincing consumers they need new products every season, inherently wasteful
* **Carbon footprint**: Manufacturing, shipping, and retail operations generate substantial emissions despite offsetting programs


Kering argued luxury's lower volume and higher quality were more sustainable than fast fashion, but critics noted the company still had incentives to maximize consumption.
== Philanthropy ==
 
=== Cultural appropriation ===


Several Kering brands faced cultural appropriation accusations:
=== Environmental initiatives ===


* **Gucci blackface sweater (2019)**: Gucci apologized and withdrew a "balaclava jumper" that resembled blackface imagery
In the early 2010s, Pinault pioneered the "environmental profit and loss" (EP&L) accounting methodology, which measures the environmental impact of business operations in monetary terms. This approach was gradually implemented across all Kering brands, making the company one of the first major luxury groups to comprehensively track its environmental footprint.<ref name="quartr" />
* **Balenciaga controversial campaigns**: The brand faced backlash over campaigns some viewed as sexualizing children or trivializing serious issues


Pinault typically responded to controversies with apologies, product withdrawals, and promises to improve internal review processes.
=== Kering Foundation ===


=== Tax arrangements ===
In 2008, Pinault established the Kering Foundation to combat violence against women. The foundation supports organizations working on this issue across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.<ref name="vitalvoices">{{cite web |url=https://www.vitalvoices.org/honoree/francois-henri-pinault/ |title=François-Henri Pinault |work=Vital Voices |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


Like many French billionaires, the Pinault family has been scrutinized for tax optimization strategies that legally minimize tax liability while benefiting from French infrastructure and institutions. However, details of the family's specific arrangements remain largely private.
=== Women in Motion ===


== Philanthropy ==
In 2015, Pinault launched the Women in Motion program in partnership with the [[Cannes Film Festival]] to raise awareness about women's representation in the film industry. The initiative has since expanded to include awards for female filmmakers and talks featuring prominent women in cinema.<ref name="wikipedia" />


François-Henri Pinault has engaged in high-profile philanthropic gestures:
=== Notre-Dame de Paris donation ===


* **Notre-Dame Cathedral** (2019): Following the devastating fire, Pinault pledged €100 million toward reconstruction—one of the first major donations announced and widely praised as demonstrating French patriotic commitment
Following the [[Notre-Dame de Paris fire|fire at Notre-Dame de Paris]] in April 2019, the Pinault family pledged €100 million (approximately US$113 million) through Groupe Artémis toward the cathedral's restoration. The donation was announced within hours of the fire.<ref name="quartr" />


* **Women's rights**: Kering Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on combating violence against women worldwide through grants to NGOs
=== HEC Paris support ===


* **Environmental initiatives**: Funding for conservation projects and sustainability programs, though critics view these as modest relative to Kering's environmental impact
As an alumnus, Pinault actively supports [[HEC Paris]] and its development. He is a major donor to the HEC Foundation and a member of the Dean's Circle. An amphitheater on the HEC campus bears his name, and he delivered the keynote address at the 2024 graduation ceremony.<ref name="hec-graduation">{{cite web |url=https://www.hec.edu/en/school/news/francois-henri-pinault-h85-deliver-keynote-address-hec-paris-2024-graduation-ceremony |title=François-Henri Pinault (H.85) to deliver keynote address at HEC Paris 2024 graduation ceremony |work=HEC Paris |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


* **Art and culture**: Supporting museums, exhibitions, and cultural institutions, continuing his father's legacy of art patronage
== Personal life ==
 
However, philanthropy critics note these donations represent small fractions of Pinault family wealth and may generate goodwill and tax benefits that offset costs.
 
== Net worth and compensation ==


François-Henri Pinault's personal net worth is difficult to pinpoint precisely because much wealth is held through family trusts and holding companies. Estimates vary:
=== First marriage ===


* **Celebrity Net Worth**: $7 billion
Pinault was married to Dorothée Lepère from 1996 to 2004. The couple had two children: a son, François (born 1998), and a daughter, Mathilde (born 2001).<ref name="imdb">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4912595/bio/ |title=François-Henri Pinault - Biography |work=IMDb |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>
* **Forbes**: Approximately $25.7 billion (2024)
* **Bloomberg**: Varies based on Kering stock price


The discrepancies likely reflect different assumptions about what portion of the Pinault family's total wealth—estimated at $30-40 billion—is personally attributable to François-Henri versus his father François Pinault Sr., siblings, and other family members.
=== Relationship with Linda Evangelista ===


As Kering CEO, François-Henri's annual compensation typically ranged from €3-8 million including salary, bonus, and stock awards—modest compared to American CEOs of comparable companies but substantial by French standards.
From September 2005 to January 2006, Pinault dated Canadian supermodel [[Linda Evangelista]]. Their relationship resulted in a son, Augustin James Evangelista, born on October 11, 2006. Evangelista initially kept the child's paternity private, but it became public in 2011 when she sought child support. The case was settled out of court after Evangelista had filed for US$46,000 in monthly child support.<ref name="cosmopolitan">{{cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a44129417/who-is-francois-henri-pinault-salma-hayek-husband/ |title=All About Salma Hayek and Her Husband François-Henri Pinault's 15+-Year Relationship |work=Cosmopolitan |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


His wealth derives primarily from ownership of Artémis, the Pinault family holding company that controls approximately 40% of Kering plus investments in Christie's auction house, Château Latour vineyard, and other assets.
=== Marriage to Salma Hayek ===


== Legacy ==
In April 2006, Pinault began dating Mexican-American actress [[Salma Hayek]]. The couple became engaged in March 2007 but temporarily called off the engagement in July 2008 before reconciling.<ref name="cosmopolitan" />


François-Henri Pinault's legacy centers on successfully transforming a retail conglomerate into a focused luxury powerhouse, demonstrating that family businesses can compete with publicly traded giants if leadership combines vision, patience, and strategic discipline.
Their daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, was born on September 21, 2007, at [[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]] in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="parade">{{cite web |url=https://parade.com/1234644/alexandra-hurtado/salma-hayek-husband-francois-henri-pinault/ |title=Salma Hayek's Got the 'Best Husband in the World' - Meet Fashion-Mogul François-Henri Pinault! |work=Parade |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


Supporters credit Pinault with:
Pinault and Hayek married on February 14, 2009 ([[Valentine's Day]]), in a civil ceremony at Paris's [[6th arrondissement of Paris|6th arrondissement]] town hall. In April 2009, they renewed their vows in a ceremony in [[Venice]], Italy.<ref name="wikipedia" />


* Executing a complex strategic transformation over two decades
Hayek has spoken publicly about their blended family: "The huge blessing I've had is that my husband has three other children. So I have four. And they are all so different."<ref name="celebfamily">{{cite web |url=https://www.celebfamily.com/business/francois-henri-pinault-family.html |title=Francois Henri Pinault Family |work=Celebrity Family |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>
* Revitalizing brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent
* Bringing sustainability and social issues into luxury discourse
* Maintaining family business values while operating at global scale
* Creating substantial shareholder value


Critics argue:
== Net worth ==


* Kering underperformed rival LVMH under Pinault's leadership
Estimates of Pinault's personal net worth vary significantly among sources. [[Celebrity Net Worth]] estimates his wealth at approximately US$7 billion, while other sources place it as high as US$25.7 billion based on ''[[Forbes]]'' data.<ref name="cnw">{{cite web |url=https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/richest-billionaires/francois-henri-pinault-net-worth/ |title=François-Henri Pinault Net Worth |work=Celebrity Net Worth |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>
* Sustainability claims were more marketing than substance
* He benefited primarily from inheriting wealth rather than building from scratch
* The luxury industry he represents contributes to inequality and environmental degradation


What seems clear is that Pinault successfully navigated the intersection of family wealth, global business, celebrity culture, and creative industries—a complex environment requiring both business acumen and cultural fluency. Whether his stewardship of Kering will be remembered as merely competent or truly exceptional may depend on how the company performs under his successor.
The Pinault family's combined fortune has declined substantially from its peak. According to the [[Bloomberg Billionaires Index]], François Pinault's (the father's) net worth fell by 69% to US$18.6 billion from its August 2021 high - the largest decline in dollar terms of anyone on the index - primarily due to Kering's struggling stock price and challenges at Gucci.<ref name="bloomberg-wealth">{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-24/luxury-billionaire-s-wealth-slides-as-heir-fails-to-revive-gucci |title=Francois Pinault's Wealth Slides as Heir Fails to Revive Gucci |work=Bloomberg |access-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref>


The transition to Luca de Meo in 2025 raises questions about Kering's future direction and whether the family's influence will continue shaping the company or gradually diminish. For François-Henri personally, stepping back from CEO responsibilities allows more time with Salma Hayek and their daughter Valentina, engagement with art and culture, and perhaps philanthropic activities—a shift from business empire builder to global citizen and cultural patron.
The French magazine ''[[Challenges (magazine)|Challenges]]'' estimated the Pinault family's total wealth at €31.2 billion in 2023.<ref name="wikipedia" />


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}


<references>
== External links ==
* "François-Henri Pinault." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/François-Henri_Pinault
* [https://www.kering.com/ Kering official website]
* "Inside Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault's luxury lives." ''South China Morning Post'', 2023.
* [https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/1393685 Bloomberg profile]
* "François-Henri Pinault: The CEO of Kering and Husband of Salma Hayek." ''ValiantCEO'', 2024.
* "Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault's Full Relationship Timeline." ''Harper's Bazaar'', 2024.
* "Who is Salma Hayek's husband? All about François-Henri Pinault." ''Today'', 2024.
* Kering Annual Reports and investor materials, 2005-2024.
* "The Luxury Goods Industry: A Short History and Current Trends." Various business publications.
* "Gucci Turnaround Under Alessandro Michele." Fashion industry analyses.
* "Notre Dame Reconstruction: Pinault €100M Donation." ''Le Monde'', 2019.
* "Kering's Sustainability Claims Under Scrutiny." Environmental reports.
</references>


[[Category:Chief_executive_officers]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pinault, Francois-Henri}}
[[Category:French chief executives]]
[[Category:Chief executive officers]]
[[Category:Kering]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1962 births]]
[[Category:1962 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:French billionaires]]
[[Category:French billionaires]]
[[Category:HEC Paris alumni]]
[[Category:HEC Paris alumni]]
[[Category:Luxury industry]]
[[Category:French businesspeople]]
[[Category:Fashion businesspeople]]
[[Category:Luxury goods businesspeople]]
[[Category:People from Rennes]]
[[Category:Kering]]

Latest revision as of 07:50, 22 December 2025

Template:Infobox person

François-Henri Pinault (born May 28, 1962) is a French billionaire businessman who served as chairman and chief executive officer of Kering, the luxury goods conglomerate, from 2005 until September 2025. He remains chairman of Kering's board of directors following his departure from the CEO role. The son of billionaire François Pinault, he transformed his father's retail conglomerate into one of the world's leading luxury groups, owning brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Alexander McQueen. He is also president of Groupe Artémis, the Pinault family's holding company. Pinault is married to Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek.

Early life and education

François-Henri Pinault was born on May 28, 1962, in Rennes, the capital of Brittany, France.[1] He is the son of François Pinault, who founded a timber trading company in 1963 that would eventually become the retail and luxury conglomerate Kering, and Louise Gautier.[2]

Growing up in a privileged environment due to his family's established business success, Pinault attended HEC Paris, one of France's most prestigious business schools, graduating in 1985.[3] During his studies at HEC, he co-founded the customer relationship management company Soft Computing with fellow students and completed an internship as a database software developer at Hewlett-Packard in Paris.[4]

After graduating, Pinault fulfilled his French military service at the French Consulate in Los Angeles, where he was responsible for studying the fashion and new technology sectors in the United States.[1] This experience would prove formative, exposing him to the American fashion industry and business practices that would later inform his leadership of Kering.

Career

Early career at Pinault Distribution

In 1987, Pinault joined his father's company, then known as Pinault Distribution. He rose quickly through the organization, being promoted to manager of the buying department in 1988, head manager of France Bois Industries in 1989, and head manager of Pinault Distribution in 1990.[4]

As Pinault Distribution evolved into Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR), becoming a major international player in the retail sector, Pinault continued his ascent. He became president of CFAO, a specialized distribution company focused on Africa, in 1993, and was appointed CEO of Fnac, the French electronics and media retailer, in 1997.[5]

Leadership of Kering

In May 2003, Pinault was named vice president of PPR and president of Groupe Artémis, PPR's parent company and the Pinault family's investment vehicle. In March 2005, he was appointed president and CEO of Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, effectively taking control of his father's business empire.[6]

Under Pinault's leadership, the company underwent a dramatic transformation from a diversified retail conglomerate into a focused luxury goods group. He systematically divested PPR's retail assets, including Conforama, CFAO, Printemps, Fnac, and La Redoute, redirecting the company's focus toward high-end fashion and accessories.[1]

In 2011, Pinault orchestrated the merger of PPR with the Gucci Group, bringing together Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Boucheron, and Alexander McQueen under one corporate umbrella. In 2013, he renamed the company Kering - derived from the Breton word "ker" meaning home and the English word "caring" - to reflect its new identity as a pure luxury group.[7]

During his tenure, Kering expanded its portfolio through acquisitions including Brioni, Girard-Perregaux, Pomellato, and Ulysse Nardin, establishing the company as one of the three major global luxury conglomerates alongside LVMH and Richemont.[5]

Departure as CEO

In June 2025, Kering announced that Pinault would step down as CEO, to be replaced by Luca de Meo, the CEO of Renault. De Meo, credited with revitalizing the French automaker, took over on September 15, 2025. Pinault retained his position as chairman of Kering's board of directors.[8]

The leadership change came after years of declining performance at Kering, with the company's share price falling by over 60% from its 2021 peak. Gucci, the group's flagship brand accounting for roughly half of revenues, had struggled to maintain momentum, while Balenciaga and Saint Laurent also faced headwinds. The company was managing more than €10 billion in debt at the time of the transition.[9]

Marco Taricco, co-founder of Bluebell Capital Partners, which took a stake in Kering in 2023, noted that pressure on Pinault to relinquish the CEO role had been building for some time.[9]

Groupe Artémis

Since 2003, Pinault has served as president of Groupe Artémis, the Pinault family's investment holding company. Through Artémis, the family maintains a controlling stake in Kering (approximately 41%) and owns diverse assets including:[4]

Controversies

Balenciaga advertising scandal

In November 2022, Kering-owned Balenciaga faced severe backlash over advertising campaigns that critics characterized as sexualizing children. The campaigns featured children holding teddy bears dressed in BDSM harnesses, and a separate advertisement included an image from a Supreme Court opinion in a child pornography case as a prop.[10]

Balenciaga subsequently pulled the advertisements, issued an apology for what it called "grievous errors," and announced plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for including the inappropriate content. Both Pinault and his wife Salma Hayek remained publicly silent during the initial controversy, drawing criticism given Pinault's role as Kering's CEO.[10]

The scandal led to broader scrutiny of Kering's brands and damaged Balenciaga's reputation, contributing to ongoing struggles at the fashion house. Creative director Demna Gvasalia, who was responsible for the campaign, later became creative director of Gucci in 2025.[11]

Notably, Kering had previously announced in 2020 that it would only hire models over age 18 for its brands' runway shows and photo shoots. In a statement at the time, Pinault said: "As a global luxury group, we are conscious of the influence exerted on younger generations in particular by the images produced by our Houses. We believe that we have a responsibility to put forward the best possible practices in the luxury sector."[12]

Christie's art controversy

Following the Balenciaga scandal, critics drew attention to controversial artworks sold through Christie's, which is owned by Groupe Artémis. Mannequin sculptures by artists Jake and Dinos Chapman featuring sexually explicit imagery drew particular criticism. However, there is no evidence that Pinault had direct involvement in selecting works for auction, and the Chapman brothers are established contemporary artists who were nominated for the Turner Prize in 2003.[13]

Philanthropy

Environmental initiatives

In the early 2010s, Pinault pioneered the "environmental profit and loss" (EP&L) accounting methodology, which measures the environmental impact of business operations in monetary terms. This approach was gradually implemented across all Kering brands, making the company one of the first major luxury groups to comprehensively track its environmental footprint.[1]

Kering Foundation

In 2008, Pinault established the Kering Foundation to combat violence against women. The foundation supports organizations working on this issue across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.[14]

Women in Motion

In 2015, Pinault launched the Women in Motion program in partnership with the Cannes Film Festival to raise awareness about women's representation in the film industry. The initiative has since expanded to include awards for female filmmakers and talks featuring prominent women in cinema.[4]

Notre-Dame de Paris donation

Following the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris in April 2019, the Pinault family pledged €100 million (approximately US$113 million) through Groupe Artémis toward the cathedral's restoration. The donation was announced within hours of the fire.[1]

HEC Paris support

As an alumnus, Pinault actively supports HEC Paris and its development. He is a major donor to the HEC Foundation and a member of the Dean's Circle. An amphitheater on the HEC campus bears his name, and he delivered the keynote address at the 2024 graduation ceremony.[15]

Personal life

First marriage

Pinault was married to Dorothée Lepère from 1996 to 2004. The couple had two children: a son, François (born 1998), and a daughter, Mathilde (born 2001).[16]

Relationship with Linda Evangelista

From September 2005 to January 2006, Pinault dated Canadian supermodel Linda Evangelista. Their relationship resulted in a son, Augustin James Evangelista, born on October 11, 2006. Evangelista initially kept the child's paternity private, but it became public in 2011 when she sought child support. The case was settled out of court after Evangelista had filed for US$46,000 in monthly child support.[17]

Marriage to Salma Hayek

In April 2006, Pinault began dating Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek. The couple became engaged in March 2007 but temporarily called off the engagement in July 2008 before reconciling.[17]

Their daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, was born on September 21, 2007, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.[18]

Pinault and Hayek married on February 14, 2009 (Valentine's Day), in a civil ceremony at Paris's 6th arrondissement town hall. In April 2009, they renewed their vows in a ceremony in Venice, Italy.[4]

Hayek has spoken publicly about their blended family: "The huge blessing I've had is that my husband has three other children. So I have four. And they are all so different."[19]

Net worth

Estimates of Pinault's personal net worth vary significantly among sources. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his wealth at approximately US$7 billion, while other sources place it as high as US$25.7 billion based on Forbes data.[20]

The Pinault family's combined fortune has declined substantially from its peak. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, François Pinault's (the father's) net worth fell by 69% to US$18.6 billion from its August 2021 high - the largest decline in dollar terms of anyone on the index - primarily due to Kering's struggling stock price and challenges at Gucci.[21]

The French magazine Challenges estimated the Pinault family's total wealth at €31.2 billion in 2023.[4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 <ref>"From Timber to Luxury: The Story of François-Henri Pinault and Kering".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  2. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  3. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 <ref>"François-Henri Pinault".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 <ref>"François-Henri Pinault".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  6. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  7. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault Steps Back: A Luxurious Legacy and Strategic Shift at Kering".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  8. ↑ <ref>"Kering names new CEO".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 <ref>"Pinault's Reign at Kering Ends With Group at One of Lowest Points in History".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 <ref>"Balenciaga parent company CEO, wife Salma Hayek silent on ad controversy involving children, BDSM teddy bears".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  11. ↑ <ref>"Balenciaga attempts redemption after bondage bear scandal".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  12. ↑ <ref>"Gucci, Balenciaga & Saint Laurent's Parent Co. Says No More Models Under Age 18".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  13. ↑ <ref>"Online Balenciaga critics take aim at Christie's selling "disturbing" art".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  14. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  15. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault (H.85) to deliver keynote address at HEC Paris 2024 graduation ceremony".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  16. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault - Biography".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 <ref>"All About Salma Hayek and Her Husband François-Henri Pinault's 15+-Year Relationship".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  18. ↑ <ref>"Salma Hayek's Got the 'Best Husband in the World' - Meet Fashion-Mogul François-Henri Pinault!".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  19. ↑ <ref>"Francois Henri Pinault Family".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  20. ↑ <ref>"François-Henri Pinault Net Worth".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
  21. ↑ <ref>"Francois Pinault's Wealth Slides as Heir Fails to Revive Gucci".Retrieved December 8, 2025.</ref>
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