LVMH Restructures Beauty Division with New Chief Operating Officer Appointment

The French luxury conglomerate LVMH has appointed Alexandre Oulès as the new chief operating officer of its beauty division. This newly created role aims to strengthen the organizational structure of the group's perfumes and cosmetics business. Oulès officially assumed his responsibilities on August 24, 2026, reporting directly to Véronique Courtois, who serves as the president and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior and the LVMH beauty division. In his new capacity, Oulès is tasked with overseeing production, the global supply chain, and procurement across the division's various luxury houses. The primary goal of this appointment is to foster greater alignment among these brands in their operational processes. By centralizing these functions, the company intends to support the division's long-term profitability and sustainable growth. Oulès brings extensive experience to the position, having spent a significant portion of his career within the LVMH group. He previously held senior roles at Guerlain and Celine, where he gained deep exposure to both the fragrance and fashion sides of the business. His background includes direct experience in building production facilities, such as the La Ruche site dedicated to Guerlain cosmetics. Before returning to LVMH, Oulès served as the head of operations at the fashion house Balenciaga. His career path has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the industrial and operational challenges within the luxury sector. This expertise is considered vital as the company navigates a complex global economic environment. This leadership change comes as LVMH seeks to maintain momentum in its beauty segment amid broader market fluctuations. While the group's fashion and leather goods division has faced recent headwinds, the perfumes and cosmetics business has remained a steady performer. The company reported that organic revenue for the beauty division remained stable during the first half of 2026. LVMH has been focusing on operational rigor to ensure its brands remain competitive in a shifting retail landscape. The beauty division has prioritized innovation across its historic houses, including Parfums Christian Dior and Guerlain. These brands have seen success with recent fragrance launches and the expansion of makeup collections. Beyond manufacturing and supply chain improvements, the group continues to emphasize selective retail execution. The company's selective retailing arm, led by Sephora, has acted as a significant growth engine by expanding its global footprint into new markets like Belgium and Croatia. This retail strategy complements the ongoing efforts to enhance brand desirability and product quality. Industry analysts note that the beauty sector is currently experiencing a pivot point as consumer demand evolves. The appointment of a dedicated chief operating officer reflects a strategic shift toward more integrated management of the beauty portfolio. By streamlining operations, LVMH aims to better manage costs and respond to changing consumer preferences. Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties, LVMH has expressed confidence in its long-term strategy for the beauty category. The group continues to invest in product innovation and omnichannel retail experiences to attract consumers. These efforts are designed to ensure that the beauty division remains a reliable driver of growth for the conglomerate. Looking ahead, the company plans to maintain its focus on high-end positioning while adapting to regional market trends. The integration of Oulès into the leadership team is expected to provide the necessary oversight to execute these plans effectively. The group remains committed to balancing its historic heritage with modern operational efficiency.