Talent development and gender equality at LVMH

Some 150 senior and high potential executives came together on November 13 for a day of compelling discussions and engagement around the topic of talent development. The enriching event came to a perfect conclusion with the signature of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles.

“LVMH believes very strongly about supporting the development of our internal talent,” noted Chantal Gaemperle, Group Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Synergies, summing up the spirit of this first Development Day organized by LVMH. The very full agenda provided high potential executives and presidents of Group brands with an opportunity to discuss and work on different aspects of nurturing and encouraging talent within the enterprise.

The event program revolved around three key sessions. The morning was dedicated to teamwork and workshops on the topic of negotiating. The beginning of the afternoon featured enlightening exchanges thanks to presentations by three women whose success has been exemplary: Anne-Sophie Pic (the only three-star Michelin chef in France), Yi Zhou (plurimedia Chinese artist) and Claire Chazal (journalist and writer).

Addressing a captivated audience on the subject of work/life balance, Anne-Sophie Pic shared the doubts she had when she took over from her father. “For a long time I felt guilty about being a woman in the kitchen,” she admitted. “I got over that with the third Michelin star!” She noted the importance of the support she has received from her husband and young son, with whom the chef has been enable to enjoy a fulfilling family life, balanced with the responsibilities of a high-pressure career.

Based in Shanghai, the resolutely cosmopolitan Chinese artist Yi Zhou talked about her experience in self-marketing. She was followed by journalist Claire Chazal, who focused on the topic of expressing ambition.

The third part of the program centered on concrete action: 31 LVMH companies joined the Group to sign the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles. This signature represents a powerful commitment to promote the representation of women on executive bodies throughout our organization, consistent with our goal of increasing the percentage of women on executive committees to 40 percent by 2015. In 2013 this percentage reached 37 percent, up from 26 percent in 2010, underlining the progress achieved so far. The Group is focused on sustaining this positive momentum.

Toni Belloni, LVMH Group Managing Director, concluded the event, stating: “I’m extremely proud to see the strong conviction behind the Group’s continuous advances in encouraging diversity, which brings us a powerful competitive advantage. The tremendous energy and sincere engagement of the executives and talents here today give me every reason to be confident in the future.”

The seven UN Women’s Empowerment Principles

1. Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
2. Treat all women and men fairly at work—respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination
3. Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers
4. Promote education, training and professional development for women
5. Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women
6. Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
7. Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality

Live tweets from the event are posted at the hashtag #LVMHDDAY