At the Kering Generation Award Japan ceremony, François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, and Kazuhide Sekiyama, Representative Executive Officer of Spiber, engaged in a dialogue on the theme of passion for sustainability.

Their conversation explored the challenges of shaping the future of luxury and the evolving role of innovation. Pinault reaffirmed Kering’s commitment to reducing the Group’s absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2035, compared to 2021 levels. He emphasized that achieving this goal would require innovations that have yet to be realized and encouraged participants to “challenge established norms, question existing business rules, and continuously seek groundbreaking solutions.”

Sekiyama reflected on Spiber’s journey, saying, “When running a business, you will inevitably face unforeseen crises — but just as many unforeseen opportunities will also arise. In difficult times, Spiber found opportunities to collaborate with Kering, various brands, and manufacturers. By embracing these opportunities, we were able to overcome challenges and achieve significant growth. I encourage all finalists to stay true to their convictions, believe in their paths, and continue striving to make a meaningful impact on society.”

About the Kering Generation Award

Kering, a global luxury group that includes Gucci and Saint Laurent, launched the first Kering Generation Award in China in 2018 to back innovative start-ups making environmental & social impact in luxury & apparel.

In 2024, the Award was expanded in Japan and Saudi Arabia. The same year, a new Award is also created to boost sustainable innovation for Jewelry brands: Kering Generation Award x Jewelry.