- Bernard Arnault has steered LVMH since 1989, transforming it into a luxury powerhouse worth $300 billion USD.
- Five Arnault children are strategically positioned across prestigious brands.
- One has emerged as the heir-apparent to the group’s fortune and top job.
The first name that comes to mind when we think about luxury goods is the French conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), known for housing some of the world’s most desirable brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, and Givenchy, is worth an estimated $300 billion USD today. At the core of this success is Bernard Arnault, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, whose leadership and strategic vision have propelled the company to thrive across diverse industries, from fashion and fragrances to wines and spirits.
But now that Bernard Arnault – who took the reins at LVMH in 1989 and is currently in his mid-70s – is inching toward what will be his likely retirement in the next years, questions arise about who will inherit this vast fortune in order to shape the future of LVMH. With LVMH being one of the most valued companies in Europe, its future is now a subject of speculation among investors and consumers alike.
Who could lead LVMH?
Arnault’s children are deeply entrenched in the machinations of LVMH, from the eldest daughter, Delphine, to the youngest sons, Frédéric and Jean – each member seems to contribute something different to the company’s trajectory. Of his five children, four are on the LVMH board, indicating the central role of the family in the future of the conglomerate. With a cumulative stake in the business, it is the Arnault children who will inherit not just the fortune but the onus to steer the empire ahead.
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Delphine Arnault: The Heir Apparent?
Delphine Arnault, Bernard’s eldest daughter from his first marriage to Anne Dewavrin, is seen as most likely to succeed him. Now 49, she started working at LVMH in 2001 and became executive vice president of Louis Vuitton in 2013. Delphine has been key in modernising the brand and overseeing its product development and operations, earning her a reputation as one of the most influential women in fashion.
Delphine Arnault has teamed up with top designers like Nicolas Ghesquière and the late Virgil Abloh, to help Louis Vuitton stay on top as a global luxury brand. Her vision goes beyond traditional fashion, focusing on storytelling, innovation, and staying culturally relevant. By keeping Louis Vuitton relevant in the fast-changing luxury market, Delphine has shown she has the experience and the skills to continue her father’s legacy.
Delphine’s strategic vision extends well beyond the boundaries of fashion. She has been instrumental in keeping the company brands relevant within an ever-changing landscape of luxury, knowing full well that modern-day luxury is all about storytelling, innovation, and cultural resonance. With experience and an ability to navigate through the complex world of high-end fashion, Delphine is well-placed to take on her father’s legacy.
Antoine Arnault: The Corporate Strategist
Antoine Arnault, who is currently 47 years old, has been an important part of the LVMH empire for years. He’s the CEO of Berluti, a luxury men’s fashion brand, and leads LVMH’s communications and image division. Known for his sharp eye for branding and marketing, Antoine has played a major role in shaping the image of many LVMH brands, especially in luxury leather goods and fashion.
Within the company, Antoine’s role has grown steadily over the years, and his strategic thinking in terms of image, branding, and communications has earned him a strong reputation. He was particularly instrumental in LVMH securing the Olympics partnership – a true demonstration of his ability to create global brand narratives.
Alexandre Arnault: The Digital Innovator
Alexandre Arnault is 32 years old and is Bernard’s son with his second wife, Cécile Finkelstein. He is known as one of the more innovative members of the family. With an engineering degree from the prestigious École Polytechnique, he brings a new perspective to the luxury world. His career took an unexpected path when he became the CEO of Rimowa, the German luggage brand LVMH acquired in 2016.
As CEO of Rimowa, Alexandre Arnault modernised the brand’s image and successfully brought in digital marketing strategies. His focus on technology and innovation show that he understands the changing luxury market, making him stand out as a potential future leader.
Frédéric and Jean Arnault: The Youngbloods
Frédéric Arnault, 29, has been making an impact at LVMH through his role at TAG Heuer, the luxury Swiss watch brand. He joined TAG Heuer as CEO in 2020, bringing a fresh perspective to the brand’s traditional approach to watchmaking. Frédéric focuses on technology and innovation, which clearly reflects the growing demand among younger luxury consumers for high-tech products that are also aesthetically pleasing.
Jean Arnault, 26, the youngest child of Bernard, joined LVMH in 2021. He has been in charge of the strategic development of LVMH’s watches and jewellery division, particularly focusing on the high-end brand, Hublot. While both Jean and his brother Frédéric are still early in their careers at LVMH, their roles at two major luxury brands suggest they are on track for future leadership within the company.
Will Bernard Arnault pass the torch soon?
As founder–CEOs often do, Arnault does not only see LVMH as a company, but as his life’s work – a carefully built empire that has reshaped global luxury. Through his dedication and strategic vision, he has turned LVMH from a regional player into a global giant, with a remarkable $92.17 billion USD in revenue in 2023.
Perhaps the single biggest reason the retirement age for LVMH’s chairman and CEO was raised from 75 to 80 by the board was just so he could stay longer. So, it would appear that it will be some time before Arnault hands over the reins. And although the LVMH chief is aware of speculation about his eventual successor, he says the jury is still out. Arnault told Bloomberg:
“I have five members of the family working in the group. Let’s see if one of them can take over.”
Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old investment legend and the world’s eighth-richest person, even sent a letter to Bernard Arnault, advising that 75 was too young for retirement. This advice from Buffett, urging Arnault to stay on, reaffirms the importance of sustained leadership – insight from someone who truly understands its value.
The succession of Bernard Arnault’s $300 billion USD empire remains one of the greatest stories in global business, a tale whose next chapter is yet to be written, with each of his children positioned as a lead protagonist. For the luxury world, whoever steps into his shoes won’t just lead a company – they’ll shape the future of luxury itself.
