Jean-Jacques Guevel steps down as Balmain CEO, continuing trend of departures from French fashion house

The recent resignation of Jean-Jacques Guevel, the Chief Executive Officer of Balmain, marks another high-profile executive's departure from the Parisian fashion house. After four years at the helm, Guevel has chosen to leave in order to pursue other opportunities. His decision was announced via the Paris-based fashion house's official statement. His departure succeeds that of Txampi Diz, Balmain's marketing director, who departed the company a mere six days prior. Balmain has yet to reveal Guevel's successor or his future career plans.

Guevel joined Balmain early in 2020 from Zadig & Voltaire. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, he successfully led the company through both the crisis and its aftermath. The fashion house commended him for his leadership during a period of significant growth and evolution. Among his key achievements were the negotiation of a new beauty licensing agreement with Estée Lauder and the staging of major fashion joint catwalk and music shows in Paris by the house’s creative director.

Reflecting on his tenure, Guevel said, "Balmain is one of the oldest luxury houses in Paris, with a unique and rich heritage. It has been an incredible journey leading this house through the last years and setting it for further future growth." Balmain is currently owned by Mayhoola, an investment company under the control of the Qatari royal family.

Expressing gratitude for Guevel's contributions to Balmain's success during his tenure, Mayhoola CEO and Balmain Chairman, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, stated: "I want to thank Jean-Jacques for his contribution to the success of Balmain, and I wish him well in his future endeavors. Balmain has all the potential to become a true global luxury goods leader, thanks to its unique heritage, talented Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, and our exceptional colleagues in the brand. We will be building onto the significant growth of the last years and will announce a new CEO in due course."