SMCP hires ex-Balenciaga CEO to head Maje

By

Olivier Guyot

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
Sep 5, 2017

For the first time, SMCP has hired a luxury industry expert to write a new chapter in the Maje story. The label belonging to the French fashion group has called on Isabelle Guichot, formerly the CEO of Balenciaga from 2007-2016; and of Sergio Rossi, Lancel and Van Cleef & Arpels, to take charge as General Manager of Maje from 18th September.

"I am convinced that Isabelle's formidable experience in the luxury industry will accelerate Maje's growth and international expansion," wrote Daniel Lalonde, CEO of the SMCP group, in a press release. "Her arrival will strengthen our core ambition of making Parisian chic accessible worldwide."

Guichot will stay on as independent director at the Chargeurs group, and replaces Sylvie Colin, who took the helm of Maje in April 2014, coming from Caroll. "It is a huge pleasure for me to be able to work alongside Judith Milgrom, founder of this superb label, who continues to shape its future with such talent and creativity," said Guichot.

The SMCP group, with its contemporary fashion labels Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, claims a presence in 36 countries and 1,200 stores. Since spring 2016, Chinese corporation Shandong Ruyi has been the group's majority shareholder. In 2016, SMCP generated a revenue of €786 million, up 16.4%, with EBITDA of €130 million, equivalent to a 22% increase. A project for SMCP's stock exchange listing is reportedly being evaluated.

Cédric Charbit took over from Isabelle Guichot as CEO at the luxury label, owned by Kering, in October 2016.