Kering vs Ralph Lauren

Kering and LVMH Tighten Model Protection Rules

French luxury groups Kering and LVMH have updated their joint industry charter to strengthen protections for models. The revised charter, effective from Paris Fashion Week 2027, raises the minimum age for models portraying adults to 18, with Kering having already implemented this in 2019 and LVMH increasing from 16. It introduces a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, abuse, and discrimination, with special focus on gender-based and sexual violence. Other measures include mandatory training, stricter monitoring of castings and productions, specific safeguards for nude or semi-nude shoots (explicit consent, separate spaces, and presence of additional staff), anonymous reporting mechanisms, and unannounced workplace audits. The charter retains commitments to diversity and non-discriminatory casting. The companies aim to establish these standards across the fashion industry, emphasizing shared responsibility among brands, agencies, and production teams.

• Kering and LVMH updated their joint charter to protect models, effective from Paris Fashion Week 2027.
• The minimum age for models portraying adults is raised to 18 for both groups.
• A zero-tolerance policy against harassment, abuse, and discrimination is introduced.

Anta Sports completes Puma stake acquisition, becomes largest shareholder

Chinese sportswear giant Anta Sports has finalized the acquisition of a 29.06% stake in Puma from Groupe Artémis for approximately €1.5 billion (nearly $1.7 billion). This makes Anta the largest shareholder in Puma. Anta will seek representation on Puma's supervisory board but has no plans for a full takeover. The deal, first announced in January, comes as Puma undergoes a turnaround with recent leadership changes and layoffs. Anta's chairman expressed confidence in Puma's management and strategic transformation, aiming to support its growth while respecting its independence.

• Anta Sports completed acquisition of 29.06% stake in Puma from Groupe Artémis for ~€1.5 billion (~$1.7 billion).
• Anta becomes largest shareholder in Puma.
• Anta will seek representation on Puma's supervisory board; no takeover offer planned.

Kering Accademia per le Eccellenze launches its first academic year

Kering Accademia per le Eccellenze launches its first academic year. Published on 09/30/2026.

Retailers struggle to link AI goals to executive pay

Ralph Lauren has added AI metrics to its executive incentive payout criteria, a move highlighted by Reuters and reflecting a broader but limited trend in corporate America. About 12% of S&P 500 companies disclosed AI-related goals in executive incentive plans this year, up from 5% in 2024, but most are tech firms like Salesforce or IBM. In retail, tying AI usage to compensation remains rare, with most retailers still experimenting and struggling to link AI to revenue growth beyond cost-cutting. Recruiters see few signs of AI affecting hiring offers, though executives are increasingly asked about AI experience in interviews. Experts note that incentive design is still primarily driven by financial performance, and clear revenue gains from AI are not yet evident. Concerns persist about AI-generated 'slop' and low-quality work, as highlighted by Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke.

• Ralph Lauren added AI metrics to its executive incentive payout criteria, as disclosed in an SEC filing and reported by Reuters.
• About 12% of S&P 500 companies disclosed AI-related goals in executive incentive plans this year, up from 5% in 2024.
• Most companies with AI-linked incentives are tech firms like Salesforce or IBM; in retail, such practices remain rare.

8-K Financial Filing Analysis for Ralph Lauren (2026-09-03)

Ralph Lauren Corporation announced the appointment of Halide Alagoz as Chief Operating & Product Officer, effective November 29, 2026. This appointment follows the decision of current Chief Operating Officer Robert (Bob) Ranftl to retire, which was formally communicated on August 31, 2026. Ms. Alagoz, currently serving as Chief Product & Merchandising Officer, brings extensive operational and supply chain leadership experience, having previously served as Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer at Ralph Lauren and spending 18 years at H&M. The transition consolidates product merchandising and operational execution under unified leadership to streamline enterprise management.

• Halide Alagoz has been appointed Chief Operating & Product Officer, effective November 29, 2026.
• Current Chief Operating Officer Robert (Bob) Ranftl notified the company of his planned retirement on August 31, 2026.
• Ms. Alagoz has been Chief Product & Merchandising Officer since March 2020 and previously led global supply chain and sustainability operations at Ralph Lauren.