Arnault Family LVMH Executives Take Helm at Paris FC

The Arnault family, through its holding company Agache, is strategically reinforcing the management structure of Paris FC following its acquisition of a 52.4% majority stake in the Parisian football club in November 2024. Chaired by Antoine Arnault, Agache has announced the appointment of two seasoned executives from the luxury conglomerate LVMH to pivotal leadership roles within the club, signaling a clear intent to elevate its operational and financial governance.

Jean-Marc Gallot, previously the chief executive of the prestigious Champagne house Veuve Clicquot, will transition to become the new managing director of Paris FC. A self-professed football enthusiast and a trusted associate of Antoine Arnault, Gallot brings over two decades of experience from the world’s leading luxury group, including an impressive 11-year tenure at the helm of Veuve Clicquot. He is set to succeed Alexis de Seze, who had taken up the managing director post in February 2025, and will commence his new responsibilities at Paris FC on October 1, subject to the formal approval of the club's board of directors. Antoine Arnault expressed his confidence, stating, "I am delighted to see Jean-Marc take over as managing director of the club. We know him well, having worked with him in a relationship of trust for many years, and we are counting on him to bring his dynamism and ambition to this formidable project, which is only just beginning."

Joining Gallot in the club's new leadership team is Alexandre Battut, who has been appointed as the chief financial officer. Battut arrives with significant expertise, having served as the head of financial control at the fragrance brand Maison Francis Kurkdjian since 2021. His background is particularly pertinent to the football sector, as he previously held positions at renowned clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Français de Paris. Agache highlighted in a press release that Battut "joins Paris FC on the strength of his expertise in finance within a major group, as well as his in-depth knowledge of the professional football sector," underscoring his suitability for the critical financial oversight role.

These strategic appointments are anticipated to be the initial steps in a broader restructuring, with further changes potentially unfolding in the coming weeks as the Arnault family consolidates its influence and vision for Paris FC. The infusion of top-tier executive talent from LVMH underscores a clear commitment to applying high standards of management and strategic growth to the football club.

The executive reshuffle at Paris FC has also triggered a series of significant leadership changes within LVMH's own ranks. Thomas Mulliez, who currently serves as the president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Moët Hennessy, will take over from Jean-Marc Gallot as the new chief executive of Veuve Clicquot. Concurrently, Laure Baume, president of Moët Hennessy Diageo France, will step into Mulliez’s former role, becoming the president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Moët Hennessy, illustrating the deep talent pool within the luxury group.