Pinault to invest in Italy with Kering Group

«Milan today sees the birth of a beautiful new home for Kering,» François-Henri Pinault said at the inauguration, from a veranda with a breathtaking view of the Duomo Cathedral. Over 300 employees of the giant, which reached 20.4 billion in turnover the last financial year (see MFF of February 15), moved from the offices in Via Mecenate 91 (see box on page II) to the 9,500-square-meter building between Via Senato and Via Della Spiga at the beginning of March. «I am pleased to welcome those who believe in our city, for which I believe it is essential to insist on internationalization,» said Mayor Beppe Sala in a brief speech. A truly remarkable size for the Milanese home of Kering, if you think that the world headquarters in Paris, in Rue de Sèvres 40, occupies 17,000 square meters.

The understated ceremony did not include the cutting of the ribbon but took place in the presence of a small number of big names: from Gucci’s ceo Marco Bizzarri to National Chamber of Italian Fashion (cnmi) president Carlo Capasa, from the recently appointed chairman of Pitti immagine Antonio De Matteis to Pomellato’s ceo Sabina Belli, to Altagamma’s Matteo Lunelli and Ginori 1735’s ceo Alain Prost. The global luxury Group is going to occupy all the office space in the Spiga26 building in Milan, a complex in which the real estate company Hines invested 250 million euros between purchase and redevelopment.

«The love story between Italy and Kering started over 20 years ago. This seems to us a signal to confirm Kering’s role as a reference pole in the Italian luxury and entrepreneurial scene,» François-Henri Pinault recalled in his speech. This is a further step after the construction of the 162,000-square-meter global logistics hub in Trecate (Novara) in 2021 and the substantial ongoing investments by the Group’s maisons in Italy (see MFF of May 27, 2022). «We develop as well industrial hubs in Italy for non-Italian maisons, such as for Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen”.

The location was selected both for its strategic address on Milan’s landmark street and for the quality of the architectural redevelopment project of the historic building by Scandurra studio architettura and Sce project. The design solutions aim to preserve Palazzo Pertusati Gropallo (designed in the 18th century by architect Simone Cantoni and considered a model of neoclassical style, then extensively renovated after World war II, ed.) as a national heritage asset, but also to adapt it to new environmental and energy efficiency standards. The interiors have been completely redesigned to provide greater versatility and flexibility, natural lighting, and a comfort-focused experience. Five floors are used for workspaces, equipped with, among other things, a canteen and cafeteria, while the top floor features a conference room with panoramic views. The building houses over 300 workstations, as well as telephone boxes for individual use, meeting rooms and interactive spaces.

The décor is embellished with iconic elements of Italian design, set in spaces finely decorated with natural colors and materials, all framed by an environment that enhances natural greenery. Common areas include the indoor cafeteria, bar, and a spectacular panoramic terrace of over 1,500 square meters overlooking the Duomo and the rooftops of downtown Milan. With the goal of being a corporate environment designed to enhance team collaboration and teamwork, the project will soon obtain leed Platinum and well gold certifications. «This new headquarters is a milestone for Kering’s presence in the country, and I am sure it will contribute to further strengthening the sense of belonging of the over 13,000 Group’s employees in Italy», Pinault stressed. A number that represents about a third of the 47,000 employed by the group worldwide. (All rights reserved)