In 2013, azureazure celebrated the appointment of Delphine Arnault as the new executive vice president of Louis Vuitton, making her the youngest person and first woman to hold a VP position within the company. Arnault has carried out her role with great success, translating into a sophisticated range of new and exclusive products for the brand. She was recently named as a member to the luxury conglomerate’s executive committee in 2019 and is also a member of the board of directors for Céline, Loewe, Pucci, Moët Hennessy and M6 brands. She was also recently added to 20th Century Studios, Inc’s board of directors as well as Havas, an international advertising agency’s, board of directors. Learn more about her inspiring story below and how she has elevated this well-known luxury fashion brand since being appointed seven years ago.
In September 2013, LVMH Group confirmed Delphine Arnault to the position of Executive Vice President of its flagship brand, Louis Vuitton. The eldest daughter of Bernard Arnault, CEO of the prestigious fashion conglomerate, is second in command at Louis Vuitton and is in charge of supervising all of the brands product-related activities. Her duties involve placing Louis Vuitton as a leader in the world of luxury, and elevating the brand’s image through a range of new products that are luxurious and exclusive, as one would expect from the label. She answers to Louis Vuitton CEO Michael Burke, who told WWD, “Her intimate knowledge of the universe of our high-quality products and her experience at the helm of one of the most prestigious houses in the group are key assets to contribute to the successful development of Louis Vuitton in the world.”
Delphine Arnault
But Arnault, (who was originally 38 when this article was first published and is now 45), is not just the daughter of one of the richest men in the world: first in France, third in the European Union, and second in the world according to Forbes magazine. She has dedicated a lifetime to earning a prestigious place in fashion. In 2001 she joined the Executive Committee of Christian Dior Couture and became its Deputy Director in 2008.
A graduate from France’s EDHEC Business School and London’s School of Economics, Arnault, began her career at consulting firm McKinsey & Company, before following the family tradition of working in fashion and luxury.
Besides her profound knowledge of LVMH’s high standards, managerial experience and ability to show positive results, Arnault is also known and appreciated for her human qualities. “I am delighted to work again with Delphine Arnault. I have had the opportunity to appreciate her human qualities and professional skills in the past,” said Burke.
According to industry analysts, she is perfect for the job for several reasons: having grown up in the luxury business, she has experienced it first-hand; she has held management positions in some of the most renowned brands, such as Emilio Pucci, Loewe, Celine and Dior. She has demonstrated impressive leadership qualities, and has reached great success as a woman in a position that is usually reserved for men.
Delphine Arnault is the most qualified person to steer the Louis Vuitton ship and continues to sail through the luxury market alongside Michael Burke. Ms. Arnault. She knows the sailors and the territory and is a, “crucial asset that contributes to the successful expansion of Louis Vuitton in the World.” ■
