Bernard Arnault's Heir? Antoine Arnault Appointed CEO of LVMH Holding Company

The world’s richest man, Bernard Arnault, might have finally hinted at his succession plan. Arnault’s second-oldest child, Antoine Arnault, has been appointed CEO of Christian Dior SE, the holding company of the Arnault empire of luxury goods, LVMH. Christian Dior SE holds 41 percent of LVMH, which includes brands like Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and TAG Heuer in its portfolio. 

The 45-year-old replaced LVMH veteran 71-year-old Sidney Toledano, the former president of LVMH’s Fashion Group and former head of Christian Dior Couture.

Along with his new post, Antoine is also the CEO of Berluti and Chairman of Loro Piano.

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News of Antoine heading Christian Dior SE has sparked speculation at Bernard Arnault’s succession plan. The richest man in fashion (and the world) has kept his cards close to his chest, never outwardly declaring which of his children will run the conglomerate when the 73-year-old passes. Instead, he’s given his five children leadership positions in the family empire to test their mettle.

Arnault’s eldest child, Delphine Arnault, is the highest ranking among his children. She’s currently the director and executive vice president of Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Bernard’s children from his second marriage are Alexandre, the executive vice president of Tiffany & Co; Frédéric, the CEO of TAG Heuer; and Jean, the Director of Marketing and Development at Louis Vuitton.

Although Bernard Arnault has not declared his successor yet, it’s widely speculated that the conglomerate’s reigns will stay within the family. Until Arnault announces his successor, we can only observe as the real-life version of Succession unfolds before our eyes.