Jacquemus Restructures with New CEO and COO to Drive Future Growth

Jacquemus, the renowned French fashion label, is undergoing a period of strategic restructuring under its newly appointed CEO, Sarah Benady. Benady, who assumed the role in March, is actively assembling a strong senior executive team to guide the brand’s future, returning to Paris after a successful career in the US with brands like The Kooples, Ba&sh, and Celine.

A key appointment in this process is Clarisse Godbillon, who joins Jacquemus as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Godbillon brings a wealth of experience in finance and operations, most recently serving as COO at Parisian label Lemaire, a position she attained in 2023 after initially joining the company as CFO in 2020.

Prior to her work within the fashion industry, Godbillon honed her financial expertise in the corporate world. She began her career as a mergers and acquisitions specialist at the consultancy firm Messier Maris & Associés, advising prominent groups and investment funds. This was followed by a role at JC Decaux, where she managed the group’s external growth initiatives from 2015.

Godbillon’s transition into directly supporting designer brands began in 2018, when she started providing consultancy services to labels focused on expansion. This ultimately led to her recruitment by Christophe Lemaire’s brand in 2020. Her diverse background positions her well to oversee operations and finance at Jacquemus.

These executive changes occur alongside significant structural developments for Jacquemus. In March, founder Simon Porte Jacquemus established Jacquemus La Maison Mère, a holding company designed to oversee both the fashion and beauty divisions of the brand. This move was preceded by L'Oréal’s acquisition of a minority stake in Jacquemus in February, signaling a strong vote of confidence in the label’s potential.

Despite these positive developments, industry reports indicate a slight dip in Jacquemus’s revenue for 2024, following a strong performance in 2023 where revenue nearly reached €280 million. Benady and Godbillon’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges and driving future growth for the brand.