A KEDGE Alumnus has published a book on selling in the luxury industry

After completing a Deug in Economic Sciences, I joined the ESC programme at KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux in 1993. A radical change. We all (already..) had a laptop, a Toshiba that would make us all laugh today. I learned to work as part of a team and focused on my chosen field: marketing. There was an incredible balance between school life and extra-curricular activities. After I obtained my degree, my career can be summed up by one thing: my passion for business. I started out at Carrefour and was quickly sent to Asia (since I speak Chinese, that helped). Then I wanted to try my hand at entrepreneurship, so I decided to start the first subsidiary of Lagardère Services in Asia, in Taiwan, then a subsidiary for Piaget. Then, I became passionate about the luxury industry. I was muted to Geneva to manage Retail International, before moving back to Hong Kong to start a subsidiary of Ralph Lauren Watches and Jewelry, then took over the subsidiary of Boucheron. 

 

I am proud to have joined the Chinese Group RUYI, a Chinese Textile and Fashion conglomerate. In France, the group owns the SMCP Group (Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot). As International Executive President, I assist the shareholding family in the governance of the brands it owns as well as the development strategy in the fashion and luxury sectors. It's fascinating: I start a new team, create, build... I am lucky today to be able to develop a passion for my activity in strategy and development. I enjoy the diversity of the problems I encounter, the complexity of the situations I have to resolve. I am considering joining more boards. I am also considering obtaining a certificate as Non-Executive Director in Hong Kong! 

However, my biggest professional accomplishment is to have written two books, dedicate the selling in the luxury industry and client psychology: 

 

 

A light went off in my brain, I wanted to share my experience with others... It is very gratifying to know that many young people can benefit from my experience. 

A business school is first of all a place where you can be free. Sup de Co and KEDGE taught me to be more responsible. I became passionate, that is what freedom does. 

 

Become passionate! You can become passionate about anything. If you don't like your job or your sector, you won't learn anything, except maybe to complain. Work hard. A good work ethic is a sign of intelligence. I have never made someone who was lazy and intelligent because work is nourishing, it fills you up, and amplifies you. Finally, find a career instead of a salary, a business card. Always ask yourself this question: what job would I like to have, what is my job and not in what sector do I want to grow. I went from mass distribution to luxury, but one thing remained constant: my passion for business. 

 

I would be very happy to have the opportunity to join the Boards of companies of all sizes created by other Alumni, to share my experience about the luxury sector, or Asia, with an open mind and business creativity. If the project makes sense, I will make the time!