Bernard Arnault, chairman, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton

Published: November 23, 2007

Bernard Arnault is Chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury products group.

Born in Roubaix, France, Arnault attended the Roubaix lycée and the Faidherbe lycée in Lille before graduating from the Ecole Polytechnique in 1971.

He began his professional career as an engineer with the Ferret-Savinel construction company, serving as its President from 1978 to 1984.

In 1984, he moved to undertake the reorganization of the Financière Agache holding company. He returned the group to profitability as he embarked upon a strategy of developing the world's leading luxury products company. In the process, he reinvigorated Christian Dior as the cornerstone of the new organization.

In 1989, Arnault accomplished his objective of creating the world's leading luxury products group when he assumed control of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, vowing to assure luxury goods brand leadership worldwide. He has been Chairman and CEO of the company ever since.

Arnault is also President of the Board of Directors of Groupe Arnault S.A. (the family holding company) and Christian Dior S.A. He also is a Director of the Cheval Blanc vineyard, M6 and Lagardère Group.

Mr. Arnault is married and has five children. He is an accomplished classical pianist, a keen tennis player and a recognized authority in the field of contemporary art.

He was appointed Commander of the Legion of Honor for his services to the French nation and he is Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters.

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