Olympic Medals Had been the First Win for Chaumet’s New C.E.O.
Chaumet is acquainted territory for you, isn’t it?
I had labored for Chaumet for 12 years, beginning in 2006: first, as a managing director for Asia Pacific, primarily based in Hong Kong, then as world vice chairman of worldwide gross sales and distribution. Previous to that, I had been at Cartier in Hong Kong for a decade.
These years had been a very fascinating interval in Asia, as a result of it coincided with a notable shift in shopper habits globally. The rising center class and a youthful demographic had been beginning to embrace branded jewellery, which was as soon as reserved for a extra mature, millionaire class. That reworked your complete panorama of the jewellery business.
Why did you resolve to hitch Fred?
After 12 years at Chaumet, I used to be prepared for a brand new problem. When the place of chief government grew to become out there at Fred, it was my likelihood to step up. I had 22 years of business expertise, and I knew I had one thing to contribute. There had by no means been an Asian chief government within the LVMH group — it was the glory of my life when the chance got here up.
What’s behind the French-centric trajectory of your profession?
I’ve all the time been fascinated by the French tradition. I graduated from the Chinese language College of Hong Kong the place I studied Chinese language literature with a minor in French research. Then I earned a scholarship to ESSEC (École Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales) enterprise faculty in Paris. I all the time cherished French meals and cinema. Studying the French language broadened my horizons. My diploma in luxurious model administration helped me to align my pursuits with my profession targets.
What’s your outlook for the effective jewellery business?
I’m extraordinarily optimistic. Previously two years, now we have seen an unusually excessive progress price within the jewellery business. After the pandemic, there was an uptick in luxurious spending leading to a surge in gross sales and world consumption of luxurious merchandise. As we speak, we proceed to see an increase within the variety of jewellery purchasers whilst progress returns to extra normalized ranges.
Meantime, the very high-end jewellery section continues to be thriving. I see extra individuals shopping for jewellery for on a regular basis put on as an expression of private fashion, and never only for particular events or weddings. This pattern means that the bottom of knickknack consumers throughout social lessons and age teams is increasing. Briefly, I’d say that the way forward for effective jewellery may be very brilliant.
