LVMH has promoted Stéphane Rinderknech to chairman and CEO of its Beauty division as part of a larger company reshuffle.
Rinderknech will now oversee the group’s perfumes and cosmetics category globally, which includes luxury brands Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain and Kendo.
He will continue to lead LVMH’s Hospitality Excellence division, a role he has held since June 2022.
The appointment comes as LVMH looks to ramp up its competitiveness and strengthen its position in the market as more players enter the cosmetics industry.
Rival Kering recently announced a new beauty division, with industry veteran Raffaella Cornaggia at the helm.
“The appointment of Stéphane at the head of the beauty division completes the reorganisation of the group by category,” said Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH and head of Financière Agache, the group’s main holding company.
“Stéphane has since his arrival guided the rebound of our hotel activities with considerable strategic agility, driving tremendous momentum across the entire organisation.
“This experience in a new industry confirmed his ability to adapt his leadership and direct engagement with teams.
“His deep understanding of the beauty industry will help him leverage the unique assets of each of our maisons.”
Guerlain's Veronique Courtois has been promoted to President and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior
Before working for LVMH, Rinderknech worked at beauty conglomerate L’Oréal for 15 years.
Leadership positions he held included President and CEO of L’Oréal China, Luxe Korea General Manager and Lancôme Japan Deputy General Manager.
Rinderknech’s appointment is part of a broader series of management changes in LVMH’s Beauty division.
A wave of new appointments
Veronique Courtois, head of Guerlain, has been promoted to President and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior.
Courtois has served as Guerlain’s President and CEO for the past three years.
Before this, she was Brand General Director at Parfums Christian Dior from 2012 to 2019.
“Since 2019, Véronique has done a tremendous job elevating and rejuvenating Maison Guerlain,” commented Arnault.
“She will draw on her experience to open a new chapter in the growth of Parfums Christian Dior.”
LVMH's Gabrielle Saint-Genis Rodriguez will take up the helm at Guerlain
Make Up For Ever’s Gabrielle Saint-Genis Rodriguez, meanwhile, will succeed Courtois at the helm of Guerlain.
Rodriguez served as President and CEO of the make-up brand for four years.
“Gabrielle, who has been in the LVMH Group for 11 years, followed an admirable journey, meeting many challenges,” said Arnault.
“She has spurred dynamic momentum at Make Up For Ever with innovative products and highly effective initiatives.
“Gabrielle has all the required qualities to add wonderful new chapters to the story of Maison Guerlain.”
Both will report into Rinderknech and will be first time Parfums Christian Dior and Guerlain will have female CEOs.