Swiss prestige skincare company La Prairie Group, owned by Beiersdorf Group, has named Philippe Lamy as Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 April. Lamy takes over from Patrick Rasquinet who will now focus on his broader role as a member of the Beiersdorf Executive Board.
Lamy will report directly to Rasquinet.
Rasquinet, who has led La Prairie with great distinction since 2010, is now tasked with leading Beiersdorf Group’s whole Pharmacy & Selective Division where he is responsible for the Eucerin, Hansaplast, La Prairie and Chantecaille brands.
Lamy is a luxury retail expert with experience at both innovative start-ups and established houses. He will be based in the company’s head offices in Zürich, Switzerland. Prior to joining La Prairie, Lamy spent eight years with Loro Piana, a 150 year-old family-owned fashion company that was acquired by LVMH in 2014.
There he was Managing Director China from January 2014 until August 2016, before being named Managing Director Europe, Middle East, Russia.
Earlier in his career, Lamy spent almost three years as Chief Operating Officer of Hermès-owned Chinese luxury brand Shang Xia. Before that he enjoyed an outstandingly successful 13-year career at L’Oréal Group where he held several leadership positions in Asia Pacific and Americas travel retail.
Commenting on his appointment, Lamy said: “It is a great honour for me to take up this role at La Prairie and I am very excited by the opportunities ahead. The La Prairie House is magnificent, and the company has relentlessly built up its brand positioning in the last few years.
“I feel truly privileged to be part of the next chapter of such a luxurious and leading House as La Prairie. It feels good to be back in the skincare industry after over ten years away. I am eager to begin working with Patrick and the Board as soon as possible.”
“In Philippe we have found a strong leader, a forward-thinking strategist, and a luxury retail industry insider,” Rasquinet added. “He has all the credentials to drive La Prairie forward over the coming years and help the company fulfil its potential of becoming the kind of legendary luxury house that we envision. I am delighted to welcome him to the Beiersdorf Group and to leave La Prairie in his very capable hands. I look forward to working closely with him to make our vision come true.”
