Rabanne appoints Renaud de Lesquen as president of fashion and beauty

French executive Renaud de Lesquen announced on his LinkedIn page that he has taken on a new and prestigious role- apparently already for a week. The former Givenchy CEO has become president of Rabanne, a position in which he will lead both the fashion and fragrance arms of the storied label founded in 1966 by visionary Spanish designer Paco Rabanne.

In his post, de Lesquen described perfumery as “one of his first loves.” “Returning to Rabanne today, while continuing to cultivate its fashion side, holds particular significance,” he added.

“Rabanne is a Maison like no other: bold, expressive, legendary, and always ready to push the boundaries of creativity,” he continued. “And behind the energy we all love lies a fascinating heritage, rich in nuance and complexity, that the world has yet to discover fully.”

He went on to say he was “delighted to be joining Puig, a group I have long admired for its culture of excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, long-term vision, and, above all (because this is always the most important aspect), the quality and values of its people.”

A graduate of ESCP Business School, de Lesquen began his career in 1993 at Lancôme, part of the L’Oréal group, starting in the United States before taking on international responsibilities. From 2001 to 2004, he was general manager of Helena Rubinstein in Japan, then became global president of Giorgio Armani Beauty. He subsequently spent 10 years at L’Oréal in Paris as president and CEO of YSL Beauté, before going on to serve as president and CEO of Dior Americas and president of Dior China, just prior to joining Givenchy.

He left Givenchy in July 2024, where he worked primarily with the then creative director Matthew M Williams, and subsequently led the strategy consulting firm Hollyhook.

A futuristic vision of style and the use of unconventional materials are hallmarks of the Space-Age elegance conceived by Paco Rabanne for his brand, which was acquired by the Spanish group Puig in 1987. In 2023, the name was simplified to Rabanne and the house entered the make-up category.

In recent years, Rabanne has been distinguished above all by the global success of its fragrances, including 1 Million, Phantom, Fame, and Invictus. Since 2013, the brand’s ready-to-wear has been designed by French designer Julien Dossena, a protégé of Nicolas Ghesquière.