Ten years ago, British-born Chris de Lapuente, a veteran of Procter & Gamble, became president and CEO of Sephora.
During his tenure at the helm, the world’s largest specialist beauty chain tripled its growth, generating global sales of US$11.84 billion in 2019.
Last year, between 50 and 60 million consumers shopped in a Sephora store or location – 2650 to date – in 36 countries.
Sephora’s online business also expanded significantly and was key to keeping the company afloat as many of its stores were temporarily closed duwing lockdown restrictions.
De Lapuente will remain a member of parent company LVMH‘s executive committee and will be taking on additional duties with the world’s largest luxury good group going forward.
His replacement will be Martin Brok, the former president of Starbucks Inc in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Born in the Netherlands, he has also held senior positions with Nike Inc, Burger King and The Coca-Cola Company and speaks five languages.
Following the announcement, Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, praised Brok’s extensive international leadership experience in multiple fast-paced and client-oriented businesses, commenting that he is tasked with leading Sephora into a new breakthrough era.
Brok’s appointment is effective from this week and he will report directly to Chris Lapuente.