PARIS, March 2 (Reuters) - Gucci-owner Kering has hired an automotive industry executive to lead an overhaul of its manufacturing division, it announced on Monday as part of a new structure to improve efficiency at the heavily indebted luxury group under its new CEO.

Luca de Meo, himself formerly Renault boss, tapped Stephane Noel from car parts manufacturer Forvia to be Kering's chief industrial officer.

Noel, who will start on April 1, will "strengthen upstream and downstream supply performance while ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and traceability", Kering said in a statement.

Luxury brands have been hit with worker abuse scandals at leather goods factories in Italy, prompting some to seek greater control over their supply chains. 

Kering also named Carlo Mocci as its chief client officer, who will be overseeing the group's marketing and client strategy, starting on May 6. Both will join the executive committee, reporting to de Meo.

(Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Alex Richardson and Tomasz Janowski)