Bernard Arnault

Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault (French: [bɛʁnaʁ ʒɑ̃ etjɛn aʁno]; born 5 March 1949) is a French businessman, investor and art collector. He is the founder, chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods company. Arnault is the richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$233 billion as of April 2024, according to Forbes.

Arnault was raised in a devoutly Catholic household, with a strong inclination towards music and education. He pursued engineering at École polytechnique, graduating in 1971. He began his career in his father's company, Ferret-Savinel, shifting its focus to real estate, which laid the groundwork for his future career in the luxury sector.

Arnault's entry into the luxury goods market was marked by his strategic acquisition of the financially-struggling textile and retail conglomerate Boussac Saint-Frères in 1984, which included the prestigious fashion house Christian Dior. His aggressive business strategies earned him the nickname "The Terminator," as he revitalized Dior and sold off other assets for profit. In 1987, he played a key role in the creation of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), a global company in luxury goods, by merging Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy. Through a series of strategic acquisitions and investments, Arnault changed LVMH into a major company in the luxury industry, overseeing significant growth and expansion into various sectors, including fashion, jewelry, watches, and wine.

Arnault's influence extends beyond LVMH, with investments in web companies and philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the arts. He has been involved in notable real estate and yacht ventures. His leadership has led to LVMH becoming the largest company by market capitalization in the eurozone. Despite controversies, including his attempt to become a Belgian citizen, Arnault's business acumen have solidified his status as a key figure in the global luxury market.