LVMH, the prestigious French luxury group, has recently announced a significant appointment with the selection of Hélène Valade as their new director of environmental development. This decision comes as a long-serving employee, Sylvie Bénard, prepares to retire after 26 years in the role. Valade officially stepped into her new position on January 6, bringing with her a wealth of experience in environmental sustainability.
A graduate of the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Valade boasts an impressive background, having previously worked at IFOP before joining Suez, a French utilities and waste management group, in 2005. Throughout her tenure at Suez, she held pivotal positions such as sustainable development director at Lyonnaise des Eaux, the company’s water supply division, and later served as the vice-president of sustainable development at Suez. Additionally, Valade has taken on leadership roles at ORSE and serves as a director at ADEME, an environmental advisory agency.
Recognized as a key figure in the field of environmental sustainability, Valade is expected to make significant contributions to LVMH’s environmental efforts. While LVMH did not sign the Fashion Pact in August like other major players in the fashion industry, the luxury group is looking to bolster its environmental initiatives under Valade’s leadership. She will be tasked with implementing the group’s new environmental strategy, ‘LIFE 2030’, continuing the work started by Bénard.
Antoine Arnault, in charge of corporate image and communication at LVMH, expressed his enthusiasm for Valade’s appointment, highlighting her mission to advocate for enhanced environmental performance in the company’s products, maintain high standards across supply chains, improve key environmental indicators at production sites, and work towards reducing CO2 emissions. With Valade guiding the way, LVMH aims to reinforce its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
For more information on LVMH’s recent environmental developments, visit their official website here. Additionally, to learn more about environmental sustainability practices in the fashion industry, check out this informative resource here.
