The head of LVMH’s business unit that runs the Sephora cosmetics chain and Paris department stores is planning to leave the luxury group, according to people familiar with the matter.
The departure of Chris de Lapuente, head of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE’s selective retail division, is expected to be announced this week, according to people familiar with the matter. It is unclear why the British-born executive is leaving.
De Lapuente, 61, joined LVMH in 2011 as chief executive officer of Sephora and became a member of LVMH’s executive committee the same year.
His business units also include Paris department stores Le Bon Marché and La Samaritaine, as well as DFS, the luxury travel retailer with a major presence in Asia.
Soaring sales at Sephora helped the division outperform the rest of LVMH last year and in the first half of this year. While selective retailing is on the rise, LVMH’s fashion and leather goods division remains the company’s largest and most profitable business.
LVMH and de Lapuente did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Angelina Lascue
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