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.

Gucci owner Kering said it was hiring Renault boss Luca de Meo as its new CEO to help revive the debt-laden luxury conglomerate, confirming reports that sent its shares soaring and those of Renault tumbling earlier on Monday.

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.