French luxury group Kering said Friday that British designer Martine Rose would take over at Balenciaga, following the departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli after just 18 months on the job.

"Her appointment reflects our ambition to keep Balenciaga at the forefront of innovation, creativity and culture," Kering chief executive Luca de Meo said in a statement.

De Meo has been shaking up management at the conglomerate's smaller houses while also seeking to boost sales at its flagship Gucci and Saint Laurent brands.

The former Renault chief, who took over last year, is grappling with industry-wide pressure amid weaker demand from China and worries about consumer spending across the global economy.

Rose, 45, created her namesake menswear label in London in 2007, with styles inspired by the rave and hip-hop scenes as well as punk and football.

Born to a British-Jamaican family in Croydon, south London, she has staged shows in offbeat venues such as alleys or climbing gyms, which could appeal to the younger clients…