HEC Paris Graduation 2024: Speech of François-Henri Pinault (H.85), Kering Chairman and CEO

On June 8, Kering Chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault, an HEC alumnus (H.85), delivered the commencement address for the MBA, Executive MBA and Executive Masters Class of 2024.

In front of a marquee packed with over 3,000 people, his first words were for the families who, through their support and affection, have made the graduates' achievements possible.

"One never succeeds alone," he asserted.

To the executive programs graduates who had "the courage to get out of their comfort zone" and "put themselves at risk", he saluted this act of willpower.

François-Henri Pinault's speech focused on humility and conviction. “Never take anything for granted”, he declared , as this allows one to "chart your own course," to dare transformations. "We always decided to swim against the tide," he said, drawing on the history of the Pinault group and his own journey and strategic decisions that led to his father's company being morphed into Kering in 2013 and becoming a leading global luxury group.

While celebrating the achievements of the 2024 graduates, he reminded them that in success as in difficulty, "you cannot lead a fulfilling career as a solitary hero".

📺 Watch the replay of the commencement ceremony:    • Commencement Ceremony: MBA, EMBA, EMS...  

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