Jean-Marc Loubier returns to Delvaux as CEO
Jean-Marc Loubier has returned to Delvaux as CEO, re-joining the luxury Belgian bag-maker just three months after it was acquired by Richemont.
“Richemont is please to announce the appointment of Jean-Marc Loubier as CEO of Delvaux, effective 21 September,” the Swiss-based luxury group said in a release.
Loubier succeeds Marc Probst, who had been CEO for the past two years, when he effectively replaced Loubier.
A famously energetic French executive, Loubier effectively managed Delvaux since 2011, when the Singapore-based Temasek acquired majority control.
He would go on to be the key driver in expanding Delvaux, which rapidly accelerated its annual sales from 18 million euros to over 120 million euros.
Under his guidance, Delvaux opened swish art-filled flagships with site-specific modernist furniture in such key locations as Fifth Avenue in New York, opposite the Plaza Hotel, and on Via Montenapoleone, the shopping mecca of Milan. While it expanded its product range to develop iconic series like a playful collection based on ideas and expression from Belgium’s most famous modern artist, Magritte.
Loubier will report to Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Richemont’s fashion and accessories division.
According to an internal memo made available to FashionNetwork.com, Richemont explained Loubier’s mission would be “to release the full potential of the Maison, at the pinnacle of the high end leather-goods luxury market.”
In his previous role at the house, Richemont continued, Loubier “defined and executed a bold and successful strategy which positioned Delvaux as one of the most interesting brands at the apex of the international luxury market. This success, coupled with a rich and always innovative experience gained in leading other global luxury brands, like Louis Vuitton where he was Executive Vice President in charge of products and communications or at Celine as President and CEO, will be invaluable in order to prepare and write the next chapter of the Maison.”
An industry veteran of three decades, Loubier was also CEO of Escada and Sonia Rykiel.
Founded in 1829, Delvaux is considered by some the oldest luxury leather goods house in the world, since it was the first to file a patent for leather handbags in 1908. Regarded as the Hermès of Belgium, noted for its superlative quality, durability and finish of its products, the marque has also been the official supplier to the Belgian royal court since 1883.
Richemont is the third largest conglomerate in the world, and the leading group when it comes to high-quality watches and jewelry – controlling such brands as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, IWC, Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre. In softer fashion luxury, Richemont controls Chloé, Maison Alaïa and AZ Factory, alongside accessory brands like Dunhill and Montblanc.
The group is quoted but still majority controlled by the Rupert family of South African origin.
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