Kering is zeroing in on a contract to make Francesca Bellettini, one of its most high-profile and accomplished executives, the next chief executive officer at Gucci, WWD has learned.

According to multiple industry sources, Bellettini will succeed Stefano Cantino and Cantino will exit the Italian fashion house after only about nine months in the role, during which there has been significant change.

It is understood an announcement could come as early as this week.

Officials at Gucci and Kering did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment over the weekend.

Appointing Bellettini would be one of the first and most crucial decisions made by incoming Kering CEO Luca de Meo, who last week vowed to start implementing his turnaround plan for the ailing French luxury group

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