Salma Hayek Husband: 5 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Francois-Henri Pinault

By BERT HOOVER First Posted: May 11, 2023 09:30 AM EDT

Salma Hayek Husband: Facts About Billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault — Photo : Francois Durand/Getty Images

Salma Hayek's husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, is widely recognized as one of the most successful businesspeople in the world.

The French magnate is the CEO of the luxury group Kering, which comprises brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. The company's portfolio also includes Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, and Brioni.

Pinault's impressive achievements in the business world have earned him great admiration and respect. However, his personal life drew significant media attention when he married the Latina actress, who has remained silent on how she met her husband.

Salma Hayek said once in an interview that "it's such a romantic, amazing story, but it is mine." She added that she does not want to vulgarize it by making it into a story to "make myself interesting."

However, numerous reports said the couple met in the spring of 2006 at a gala in Venice.

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Salma Hayek Husband: Some Interesting Facts About Francois-Henri Pinault

Salma Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault have been together for more than 15 years. The couple announced their engagement in 2007, together with the news of the Mexican actress' pregnancy with her first child.

To get to know Salma Hayek's husband more, here are some facts you probably did not know about Francois-Henri Pinault.

Salma Hayek Husband Completed Military Service

Francois-Henri Pinault was born in Rennes, France, on May 28, 1962. His father, who is also named Francois, was the one who initially started the company that would turn out to become Kering.

Little is known about his mother, Louise Gautier. Pinault studied at the HEC School of Management in Paris before he completed his military service at the French Consulate Economic Expansion station in Los Angeles.

During his time in the United States, he was able to study his passion for both the fashion industry and technology, two fields that would play a significant role in his future.

Pinault has worked his way up the ranks to become the CEO of Kering. He has held the position since 2005.

Francois-Henri Pinault Married Salma Hayek Twice

Francois-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek tied the knot in Paris, France, on Valentine's Day in 2009 at the 6th Arrondissement City Hall.

A few months later, the couple had a second wedding in Venice, Italy, with Penelope Cruz, Woody Harrelson, Ashley Judd, Charlize Theron, and Edward Norton, one of Hayek's exes, as among the guests.

Francois-Henri Pinault Already Had 3 Kids Before Marrying Salma Hayek

Francois-Henri Pinault has three children from his previous relationships. Pinault shares Mathilde Pinault and Francois Pinault Jr. with ex-wife Dorothee Lepere.

He is also a father to Augustin James, whom he shares with model Linda Evangelista. On the other hand, Pinault and Salma Hayek have been blessed with one daughter, Valentina Paloma, born on September 21, 2007.

Salma Hayek Husband Was Sued for Child Support

In 2011, Salma Hayek's husband was in the news for all the wrong reasons. His former partner, Linda Evangelista, filed a lawsuit alleging that he had not provided any financial support for their child.

During the court proceedings, the legal team compared the living standards of Pinault's daughter Valentina and Evangelista's son, with the latter being found disadvantaged.

Evangelista eventually emerged victorious, and Pinault was ordered to make a monthly child support payment of $46,000.

Francois-Henri Pinault Loves Charity Works

Salma Hayek's husband is also known for his commitment to philanthropic work and dedication to supporting communities in need. Francois-Henri Pinaul is the chairman of the Kering Foundation, which fights violence against women. He established it in 2008.

The foundation serves as a platform to promote women's rights and advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic violence worldwide. Another one of his charitable acts happened in April 2019 after the devastating fire that ravaged the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Pinault donated a massive $113 million to assist with the restoration and rebuilding efforts of the beloved landmark. His generous contribution also demonstrated his deep compassion for preserving cultural heritage.