CEO Today Top 50 – Bernard Arnault
CEO Top 50
Name: Bernard Arnault
Net worth: Approx. $107.7 billion Executive pay: $16 million
Company: LVMH
Bio: Bernard Arnault received a degree in Engineering from École Polytechnique in Palaiseau in 1971. In 1979 he succeeded his father as President of his company, Férinel, then went on to acquire and become CEO of the Financière Agache.
Arnault made a significant impact on the luxury goods market when he strategically acquired the struggling Boussac Saint-Frères textile and retail conglomerate in 1984, which also included the renowned Christian Dior fashion house. His bold business tactics led to him being dubbed “The Terminator” for his successful revitalization of Dior and profitable sale of other assets. From there, he became CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury-goods company, and Chairman of Christian Dior, of which he purchased all remaining shares in 2017 for $13.1 billion.
Arnault has been awarded The Woodrow Wilson Award for Global Corporate Citizenship in 2011, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2012, and The Museum of Modern Art’s David Rockefeller Award in 2014.
Quote: “The key to success is this duality – timelessness and utmost modernity.” – Bernard Arnault
