French publication Les Echos this morning revealed that Nicolas Houzé, president of Galeries Lafayette’s department store division, has dismissed the majority of top management at the company, a team which put in place by predecessor from Paul Delaoutre.

Nicolas Houzé, son of the group’s president Philippe, arrived at the head of the company in March, taking over from Delaoutre whose resignation came as a shock to the industry after his 10 years in the position.

However, deputy managing director of Galeries Lafayette, Michel Roulleau, managed to survive the cull and has reportedly been appointed to an advisory role. Some have commented that Roulleau’s strong relationships with big luxury bosses such as Bernard Arnault helped cement his position.

“Others have been asked to leave as soon as possible,” cited Les Echos, referring to Christophe Cann, sales director, Anne-Maria Gaultier-Dreyfus, marketing director, Jean-Yves Rémond, head of human resources and Laurent Singer, chief information officer.

The publication also leaked that Guillaume Houzé - president of Galeries Lafayette’s corporate foundation and brother to Nicolas - is primed to join top management, citing internal sources.

Despite a rosy outlook following the company’s decision to sell its stake in French retailer Monoprix, some say sales at the company’s flagship store in Paris are at threat. A refocused effort on the mass market and a change in its tourists’ attitude seems to be impacting on business.

It remains to be seen what the company's next steps will be.


Jean-Paul Leroy (English version by Lauren Walker)