Kering is reinforcing its corporate team in Greater China in order to adapt to the fast-changing business environment in this market, which has been continuously growing in importance for the luxury industry since Gucci opened its first store in China in 1997. This new management set-up will strengthen the existing corporate structure specifically dedicated to supporting the long-term development of Kering’s luxury Houses in Greater China.
Ms. Jinqing Cai has been appointed President of Kering Greater China, starting from September 10, 2018. Her mission will be to reinforce the visibility of Kering in Greater China and to strengthen the links between the Group and its local partners. She will be based in Kering’s Shanghai office and will report to Jean-François Palus, Group Managing Director of Kering.
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, said: “Kering started to invest in Greater China some time ago and had built the foundations of a long-lasting and successful business, while continuously reinforcing our relationships with local partners. I am very pleased with the appointment of Jinqing Cai, which is a further testament to our long-term commitment in Greater China.”
With this new organization, Kering will be best positioned to further support the rapid development of its luxury Houses in Greater China and to seize business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.
About Jinqing Cai
Jinqing Cai started her career in 1993 in New York as an associate in a strategic consulting company. She then moved to Hong Kong to work for private equity fund management companies, k1 Ventures and Lark International Entertainment Limited, focusing on the media and entertainment industries.
In 2002, she co-founded the PR firm New Alliance Consulting International in Beijing and managed the highly successful inaugural annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia. In 2005, Ms. Cai became the founding partner of Brunswick Beijing, playing a central role in the PR firm’s high profile cross-border transactions.
In 2012, Ms. Cai joined the leading auction house Christie’s as the first Managing Director of Christie’s China. She was appointed President of Christie’s China in 2014 and then Chairman in 2016.
Ms. Cai received her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and a Master’s in Public Affairs from Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs, Princeton University. She was born and raised in Beijing and was an undergraduate student at Beijing University between 1986-1989, before pursuing her education overseas.
Ms. Cai is on the international advisory board of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and serves as a board member of Teach for China, a non-profit organization focusing on education inequality in China
In parallel with her new role at Kering Greater China, Ms. Cai will retain a consulting role at Christie’s, serving as Deputy Chairman of the company’s Asia Advisory Board.
