Delvaux has appointed Yanina Novitskaya as its new CEO to lead the historic Belgian brand into its next era. She succeeds Jean-Marc Loubier, who is expected to step down from the luxury house at the end of the year.

The 1829 heritage of the world's oldest leather goods house

The brand's identity is deeply rooted in a history that predates most modern luxury giants. Founded in 1829, Delvaux holds the distinction of being the oldest luxury leather goods house in the world. The company has a long-standing relationship with Belgian royalty, serving as an official supplier to the court since 1883.

Delvaux has consistently been a pioneer in the industry, notably becoming the first to file a patent for leather handbags in 1908. The brand's meticulous archive includes more than 3,000 patented styles, such as the iconic Brillant top-handle model that was first introduced in 1958. This deep sense of savoir-faire is what the brand aims to protect as it moves into a new chapter under new leadership.

How Jean-Marc Loubier grew international sales from 3% to 85%

Jean-Marc Loubier's tenure has been defined by a massive shift in the brand's global footprint. According to a report from WWD, Loubier successfully transformed Delvaux from a primarily local player into a global powerhouse, increasing sales generated outside of Belgium from just 3 percent to approximately 85 percent.

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During his time at the helm, Loubier spearheaded several key expansions, including:

  • A significant push into major Asian markets, specifically China, South Korea, and Japan.
  • The multiplication of the brand's store count by fivefold.
  • The opening of major flagship locations on New York’s Fifth Avenue,London’s Bond Street, and Milan’s Palazzo Reina.

    • Loubier, an industry veteran who previously held leadership roles at LVMH, Celine, and Escada, is expected to complete a thorough handover period before exiting at the end of this year.

    A year-long transition for Yanina Novitskaya and Richemont

    The leadership change at the Richemont-owned brand was not a sudden move, but rather a calculated evolution. The source notes that the management handover was carefully planned and has been at least a year in the making. This stability is intended to ensure that the brand's distinctive positioning remains intact during the shift from Loubier to Novitskaya.

    What the new CEO's strategy for the 3 ,000-style archive will be

    While the announcement emphasizes Novitskaya's strong industry knowledge, several specific details regarding her immediate vision remain unverified. It is currently unknown whether her strategy will focus on further physical retail expansion or a more aggressive pivot toward digital and social-media-driven growth. Additionally, the brand has yet to clarify how Novitskaya will balance the preservation of its massive 3,000-style archive with the need to appeal to a younger, trend-focused luxury consumer base.