The longtime finance executive will step down after 15 years with the luxury house, with a successor to be announced at a later date.
Chanel global chief financial officer Philippe Blondiaux will retire at the end of 2026, concluding a 15-year tenure at the privately held luxury house.
Blondiaux joined Chanel in 2011 following an international career spanning finance and business leadership roles at Nestlé and PwC. Over the following decade and a half, he became one of the company’s most visible senior executives, regularly representing Chanel in discussions of its financial performance, investment strategy and long-term approach to growth.
“Throughout Philippe’s tenure, his ability to combine strategic vision with operational excellence has allowed Chanel to invest confidently in the future while maintaining strong financial performance,” the company said in a statement.
Chanel said it will announce its next global chief financial officer in due course.
Blondiaux’s time at the house coincided with a period of considerable international expansion and investment. Chanel strengthened its global retail network, expanded its manufacturing and specialist craft capabilities and increased spending across fashion, beauty, client experience and sustainability.
He also played a central role as Chanel became more transparent about its financial position. The privately owned company began publishing annual results during his tenure, offering a clearer view of the scale and performance of one of the luxury industry’s most closely watched businesses.
The forthcoming transition arrives as Chanel continues to develop under global CEO Leena Nair and creative director Matthieu Blazy. The house is investing in its collections, boutiques and long-term brand positioning while navigating a luxury market marked by uneven demand and changing consumer behavior.
Blondiaux will remain in his position through the end of the year, allowing time for an orderly transition before his successor assumes responsibility for Chanel’s global financial organization.