Kering To Name Group Level Image Executive Following Balenciaga Ad Controversy

Kering To Name Group Level Image Executive Following Balenciaga Ad Controversy

PARIS (Reuters) – Kering is creating a new position at the group level to oversee “brand safety” following the controversy over a Balenciaga ad campaign that dented sales in December, executives said Wednesday.

The label drew fire over an advertising campaign featuring imagery with children, prompting apologies from Kering executives including Balenciaga’s creative director and CEO.

The new position would be in charge of brand safety at the corporate level and weigh in on some decisions, Kering executives said.

The company’s existing tools include group charters governing interaction between brands as well as a code of ethics for employees.

(Reporting by Mimosa Spencer; editing by Jason Neely)