Cécile Cabanis Joins LVMH As Deputy Finance Director
LVMH has announced another intended succession, with the appointment of Cécile Cabanis as the new deputy finance director.
Coming in from Parisian asset management corporation, Tikehau Capital, where she had been deputy CEO since 2021, Cabanis will now report to chief financial officer, Jean-Jacques Guiony.
In an internal announcement, it was revealed that Guiony will “prepare the progressive handover of his responsibilities to Cécile, ensuring a seamless transition in this essential role for our group.” His new job responsibilities are yet to be disclosed and will be announced in due time.
The transition period is expected to last a span of about 18 months, seemingly following Guiony’s track record with LVMH. Since joining LVMH in 2003 as deputy finance director, he was promoted to CFO within a year.
An alumni of HEC business school, Guiony initially worked as a research analyst with Banque Nationale de Paris in 1985 before venturing into further roles at Merrill Lynch and Lazard Frères. He played a crucial role in several significant acquisitions of the luxury group, including Bulgari, Loro Piana, Belmond Ltd., and Tiffany & Co.
Guiony, 62, commands respect for his straightforward and considerate approach, his command over both padding and fine details, along with his smooth leadership style. He has been instrumental in the digital automation of several processes in the group, overseeing various sectors ranging from fashion, leather goods to wines, and spirits. Apart from his role as CFO, Guiony is currently serving as the chairman and CEO Samaritaine Paris, which he has managed since 2010.
Cécile Cabanis, a graduate from the Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon, started her career in 1995 as a logistics manager and financial controller at L’Oréal in South Africa. After working on the M&A team at telecom giant Orange, she spent 18 years at Danone Group where she held roles in finance and M&A, leading to her position as CFO of the group in 2015. Alongside her new role, Cabanis will also join the LVMH executive committee.