Bernard Arnault
is a French businessman, investor, and art collector. He is the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company. Arnault is widely considered to be one of the most successful and powerful people in the global luxury industry, with a net worth of over $100 billion.
Arnault was born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France. He is the youngest of five children born to Jean Arnault, a civil engineer, and Marie-Josèphe Arnault, a housewife. Arnault’s father died when he was only 14 years old, leaving his mother to raise the family.
After completing his secondary education, Arnault attended the École Polytechnique in Paris, where he earned a degree in engineering. He then went on to study at the École des Ponts et Chaussées, where he received a degree in urban planning.
In 1971, Arnault joined his father’s construction company, Ferret-Savinel. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company’s CEO in 1977. Under his leadership, the company grew significantly, and Arnault began to develop a reputation as a savvy businessman.
In 1984, Arnault acquired a controlling stake in the luxury goods company, Financière Agache, which owned the brands Givenchy and Kenzo. He then formed a holding company, Groupe Arnault, to manage his growing portfolio of luxury brands.
In 1989, Arnault made a bold move by acquiring control of the luxury goods company, Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). This was the beginning of a new chapter in Arnault’s career, as LVMH quickly became the world’s largest luxury goods company, with a portfolio of over 60 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Bulgari, and Fendi.
Under Arnault’s leadership, LVMH has grown into a global powerhouse, with revenues of over $53 billion and a market capitalization of over $200 billion. Arnault himself has become one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of over $100 billion.
In addition to his business pursuits, Arnault is also a passionate art collector. He has amassed a significant collection of contemporary art, including works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet.
Arnault is also known for his philanthropy. He and his family have donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes, including education, health, and the arts.
In conclusion, Bernard Arnault is a French businessman, investor, and art collector who is widely considered to be one of the most successful and powerful people in the global luxury industry. He is the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods company and has a net worth of over $100 billion. He is also a philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes through his family’s donations.