While fixing French carmaker Renault SA, Chief Executive Officer Luca de Meo pursued a hobby that would feed into his next job as CEO of Kering SA: A taste for the finer things in life, particularly Swiss watches.

De Meo's unexpected departure marks the second top-level exit from a European carmaker in six months, after Carlos Tavares resigned from Stellantis.

The big jump in Kering shares suggests investors are at least hopeful about Kering’s future, and Bernstein analysts noted that brand management and marketing are de Meo’s forte, as reported by CNBC. Kering shares have fallen more than 72% in the past four years as the company has struggled to convince customers—and investors—of its appeal.