At 76, Bernard Arnault is still in charge of LVMH, The largest conglomerate of luxury brands in the world, with an estimated fortune in more than 175,000 million euros. But the patriarch of the most influential fashion family knows that succession is an unavoidable issue. Although he has insisted that “it is not an obligation, or something inevitable, that a child is my successor,” the reality is that the struggle for LVMH’s leadership is underway.
In an attempt to avoid a family war in the style of the Succession series, Arnault He has distributed the control of the company among his five children through a portfolio society. However, one of them seems to have taken the lead in the throne race: Alexandre Arnault, the third of his 32 -year -old children. In November 2023, Alexandre was appointed Deputy Director of Moët Hennessy, the LVMH Premium Wine and Liquor Division. An ascent that rewards its success in Tiffany & Co., where it modernized the iconic jewelry and made it one of the most profitable firms in the group. His strategy included media campaigns such as About Love, starring Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who wore the legendary yellow diamond of 128 carats.
But Alexandre not only shines in the luxury sector; He also knows how to move in the world of politics and business. In recent months, his name has appeared linked to former president Donald Trump. He was seen in the controversial Trump rally at Madison Square Garden, and his name appears on the list of guests to the exclusive Dinners of Mar-a-Lago. Trump even dedicated a few words on his social network social: “He is a young man, son of one of the world’s great businessmen.” The relationship between the Arnault and Trump family is not new. In 2019, Bernard and Alexandre attended the inauguration of a Louis Vuitton workshop in Texas, where they were photographed with the then US president. In addition, Alexandre maintains a close friendship with Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s husband.
Alexandre’s rise generates questions about LVMH’s future and the role that his brothers will play. The two major, Delphine (49) and Antoine (47), have so far been the most visible in the company. Delphine is President and CEO of Dior, the most emblematic firm of the group, while Antoine is LVMH and CEO of Berluti’s image.
Delphine and Antoine are the result of Bernard Arnault’s first marriage with Anne Dewavrin. After his divorce, the tycoon married the Canadian pianist Hélène Mercier-Arnault, with whom he had three more children: Alexandre, Frédéric (29) and Jean (26). Frédéric directs the Tag Heuer’s watchmaking division, and Jean, the Benjamin of the family, is in charge of the Louis Vuitton watch business. But none of them has generated both interest as Alexandre, who since the age of 25 has held positions of great responsibility, first in the Rimowa team and then in Tiffany.
Alexandre’s influence is not limited to the business world
Alexandre’s influence is not limited to the business world. His wedding with Géraldine Guyot, founder of the D’Estale accessories brand, was a social event. The civil ceremony was held in Paris, where the bride wore a Loewe dress. But the true party took place in Venice, in an event that brought together the elite of the show and luxury. Among the guests highlighted Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, who performed Runaway and Flashing Lights hidden behind a Venetian mask. Tenista Roger Federer and other close friends of the boyfriend, such as the Usain Bolt sprinter also attended.
Despite its meteoric ascent, Alexandre is not insured by the LVMH throne. The Arnault family has proven hermetic and strategic in its movements. Bernard Arnault, who is still in command, has not revealed his final plans, although he has suggested that the succession will depend on merit, not on the last name. For now, Alexandre is positioned as the favorite, but the battle for the control of the luxury empire is still open. In the power game, nothing is written.
