Nicolas Morineaux, an experienced luxury and finance professional with extensive background in Asia, has been appointed by French luxury department store group Galeries Lafayette to lead its operations in China, replacing Lawrence Shum.
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In April this year Galeries Lafayette formed a joint venture with Hopson Group, in a bid to scale up its ambitions for the Chinese market. The alliance with Hopson Group, a major listed property firm established in south-eastern China, will see Galeries Lafayette rollout across China, stepping up the pace of openings to reach 10 stores by 2025, and strengthening its digital presence as part of an omnichannel approach.
In his role as managing director, Morineaux, appointed this month, will oversee the company’s four branches in China, including the recent openings in Shenzhen and Chongqing earlier this year.
Morineaux’s primary objective is to accelerate the company’s expansion into the Chinese market, with plans to implement an omni-channel, multi-universe strategy.
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Morineaux graduated from ESSEC Business School in 2001 and brings with him more than two decades of experience at luxury conglomerate LVMH. He held various positions within the company, including vice-president of finance for the Asia-Pacific fashion division, where he played a pivotal role in the growth of the division.
Prior to that, Morineaux led Celine’s sales in Japan and served as the sales director for Asia at the Richemont-owned jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels.