PARIS — Kering shareholders on Tuesday approved the appointment of Luca de Meo as chief executive officer, clearing the way for the turnaround specialist to officially join the ailing French luxury group on Sept. 15.

De Meo has been tasked with engineering a speedy turnaround for Kering , which has been dragged down by steep declines at its star brand Gucci and a bulging debt load. The group is closing stores, selling real estate and reducing headcount after a dismal start to the year that saw group net profit plummet 46 percent in the first half .

At a combined general meeting at Kering headquarters, de Meo said he would present a detailed strategic plan next spring, but would waste no time before taking action.

“We will initially focus our efforts on the most effective leve

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