LVMH's Top Hotel Brands Seek Leadership, Months After Key Departure

As of March 24, 2026, LVMH's prestigious hotel division, overseeing brands like Cipriani, Cheval Blanc, and Belmond, continues to operate without a permanent leader. This follows the departure of Stéphane Rinderknech earlier this year, creating a significant void at the helm.

Glitz reports that initial attempts to recruit a replacement from outside the company were unsuccessful. The prolonged vacancy suggests a challenging search for a candidate capable of navigating the distinct identities and demanding standards of LVMH's ultra-luxury hospitality portfolio.

Our take: The absence of a divisional head for such a critical and high-value segment of LVMH's empire indicates more than just a hiring hurdle. It points to potential strategic shifts or internal disagreements regarding the future direction of these marquee properties. Maintaining momentum and ensuring seamless guest experiences across diverse brands like the urban chic of Cheval Blanc, the historic grandeur of Cipriani, and the experiential luxury of Belmond requires cohesive leadership. This leadership vacuum, if prolonged, risks stunting innovation and market positioning for some of the world's most aspirational hotel brands.