Hélène Poulit-Duquesne Elected Unanimously as New Chair of France's Comité Colbert

The French luxury landscape is witnessing a significant leadership transition. The Comité Colbert, the influential federation representing the pinnacle of French craftsmanship and luxury, has announced the unanimous election of Hélène Poulit-Duquesne as its new chair. This appointment marks a strategic moment for an organization dedicated to promoting the French art de vivre globally.

A Unanimous Vote for Continuity and Vision

Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, the Chief Executive Officer of the historic jewelry house Maison Boucheron, was elected by unanimous vote. She succeeds Laurent Boillot and is scheduled to officially begin her tenure in June 2026. In her new capacity, she will work in close partnership with Bénédicte Épinay, the general delegate of the Comité Colbert. This leadership duo will guide the federation's strategic direction.

The Profile of the New Chair

Poulit-Duquesne is no stranger to the Comité Colbert's inner workings. A long-term active member, she has served on its board of directors since 2018 and ascended to the role of vice president in May 2022. Her professional pedigree is emblematic of the global luxury sector's upper echelons. She is a graduate of ESSEC Business School and boasts a rare career trajectory that includes senior positions within the world's three largest luxury conglomerates: LVMH, Richemont, and Kering.

Her journey began at LVMH, followed by a pivotal move to Cartier International (Richemont) in 1998. She joined the executive committee of Cartier in 2010 before being appointed CEO of Maison Boucheron, part of the Kering group, at the end of 2015. This cross-group experience provides her with a unique, holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the luxury industry.

Strategic Roadmap for the Federation

Upon her election, Poulit-Duquesne immediately outlined her strategic priorities. In a statement, she expressed pride in the trust placed in her and defined a clear roadmap. Her focus will be on three core pillars: promoting French expertise and supporting domestic industries; collectively advancing the values and international profile of member houses; and placing sustainable development at the heart of the federation's strategy. She emphasized that this environmental and social focus is a "future challenge for the planet and our professions."

She also articulated the collective mission of the Comité Colbert members, stating, "Each Maison of the Comité Colbert, beyond its individual performance... has a greater role to play: that of defending values that are universal... the values of art, culture, and craftsmanship, the hand of man." She believes these values give meaning to the industry and inspire people globally.

The Power of the Collective

The Comité Colbert is a formidable collective. Founded in 1954 by the perfumer Jean-Jacques Guerlain, it is a non-profit association recognized as being in the public interest. Today, it brings together 98 of France's most esteemed luxury houses and 17 cultural institutions. Its membership is a veritable who's who of French luxury, spanning diverse sectors.

This includes fashion powerhouses like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Balenciaga, and Balmain; renowned jewelers such as Van Cleef & Arpels; prestigious champagne and wine producers like Perrier-Jouët and Château Lafite Rothschild; iconic perfume brands including Guerlain and Frédéric Malle; and celebrated culinary institutions like restaurants led by chefs Yannick Alléno and Guy Savoy. The federation's core mission is to safeguard and propagate French savoir-faire, creativity, and the art of living on the world stage.

Looking Ahead

The election has been met with positive reception within the federation. General Delegate Bénédicte Épinay welcomed the collaboration, stating, "I am delighted at the prospect of working with Hélène Poulit-Duquesne to serve, together with our collective, the influence of an industry whose excellence and creativity are one of the major jewels in the crown of the French economy." As Poulit-Duquesne prepares to assume her chairmanship in 2026, the French luxury sector anticipates a period of reinforced advocacy, sustainable innovation, and collective promotion under her experienced guidance. Her leadership is expected to steer the Comité Colbert through an era where preserving heritage must be balanced with addressing modern global challenges.