In a significant move within the luxury sector, LVMH has appointed Véronique Courtois to take charge as the CEO and chairman of its beauty division. This announcement brings exciting changes, as Courtois will continue her duties as chairman and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior while also joining the group's executive committee, effective immediately.
Courtois's new responsibilities will encompass overseeing an impressive portfolio of prestigious brands. These include renowned names such as Guerlain, Acqua di Parma, Givenchy Parfums, Kenzo Parfums, Loewe Parfums, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Fresh, Benefit Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty, and Officine Universelle Buly.
LVMH expressed confidence in Courtois’s leadership abilities in a statement released on Monday: "With her extensive experience and remarkable career at LVMH’s beauty Maisons, Véronique has successfully elevated the activity and desirability of Parfums Christian Dior. Her seasoned expertise will undoubtedly benefit all the maisons she will now oversee."
Joining LVMH in 2000, Courtois has built a formidable career within the company. She served as president and CEO of Guerlain from 2019 until 2023 before taking on the role of chairman and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior in March 2023. She replaces Stéphane Rinderknech, who opted to leave the group to pursue other personal interests. LVMH acknowledged Rinderknech’s valuable contributions, particularly his role in expanding the hospitality division before making significant strides in the beauty sector. Stéphane Bianchi, LVMH's managing director, expressed gratitude for Rinderknech’s achievements, wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Interestingly, Antoine Arnault, the eldest son of CEO Bernard Arnault and currently the director of image and environmental initiatives at LVMH, will also be part of the executive committee. Antoine previously held the position of CEO at Berluti from 2011 until late 2023, where he continues as chairman, and he was the chairman of Loro Piana from 2013 to 2025.
Since assuming his current role in 2018, Arnault has managed the group’s communications along with its environmental strategy. Among his notable accomplishments is securing a major sponsorship deal with the Paris Olympic Committee for LVMH. Additionally, he has been serving as the CEO of the family holding company Christian Dior SE since December 2022.
With both Delphine and Antoine Arnault now part of LVMH’s executive committee, their presence signals a strong familial influence within the luxury conglomerate. Other members of the committee include Bianchi, Pietro Beccari, Damien Bertrand, Guillaume Motte, and Jean-Jacques Guiony.
Bianchi highlighted the importance of Courtois and Arnault's wealth of experience, stating, "Throughout their distinguished careers at LVMH, Véronique and Antoine have embodied our group’s core values and have significantly contributed to its ambitious growth through their impactful work. I am excited to welcome their unique insights and expertise to our executive committee, where they will play crucial roles in guiding our strategic initiatives."
This restructuring within LVMH not only showcases the potential for innovation and growth in the beauty division but also raises questions about the future direction of the luxury industry as a whole. How do you see these changes impacting the brands under Courtois's leadership? Share your thoughts!
