Remy Cointreau, a French cognac maker, has named Franck Marilly its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Eric Vallat. Marilly will take office on June 25, 2025, bringing extensive experience from the luxury and cosmetics sectors.
Marilly, aged 59, has more than 30 years of experience, having held significant positions such as CEO of the EMEA region for Chanel’s fragrance and beauty division, President of the fragrance division for Unilever in France, and President and CEO of Shiseido’s EMEA region and global fragrance division. He is also a graduate of EDC Paris Business School. He holds directorships at the Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté and the Franco-Japanese Exchange Committee, and was recently appointed as a Foreign Trade Advisor of France in February 2025.
Remy Cointreau, a prominent French cognac maker, has announced the appointment of Franck Marilly as its new CEO, succeeding Eric Vallat. This leadership change is effective June 25, 2025, and is part of the company’s strategy to enhance its position in the luxury market. The announcement was made recently, and multiple sources, including the official press release and business news outlets, confirmed the details.
Detailed Background of Franck Marilly
Franck Marilly, aged 59, brings a wealth of experience with over 30 years in the luxury and cosmetics sectors. His professional journey includes significant roles at global brands:
Chanel: Served as CEO of the EMEA region for the fragrance and beauty division for 17 years, and held various CEO positions in subsidiaries abroad, demonstrating extensive international management experience.
Unilever: Was President of the fragrance division in France, contributing to the company’s luxury product lines.
Shiseido: Joined in 2018 as President and CEO of the EMEA region and global fragrance division, further solidifying his expertise in luxury markets.
Marilly’s educational background includes graduating from EDC Paris Business School, which has equipped him with the business acumen for high-level executive roles. Additionally, he holds several directorships that enhance his strategic influence:
Director of the Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté since 2011.
Director of the Franco-Japanese Exchange Committee since 2018.
Appointed as a Foreign Trade Advisor of France in February 2025, by decree signed by the Prime Minister, reflecting his recognition in international trade circles.
His background, originally from south-west France, is noted for a deep attachment to the land and values of authenticity, which aligns with Remy Cointreau’s brand ethos.
The appointment of Marilly is seen as a strategic decision to continue implementing Remy Cointreau’s value strategy and drive product innovation. The Chairwoman, Marie-Amélie de Leusse, expressed delight in welcoming Marilly, highlighting his in-depth knowledge of international environments, successful track record, and inspiring leadership as key assets for the company’s future. Marilly stated, “I am delighted to join the Rémy Cointreau Group, whose values resonate closely with my own,” indicating a strong alignment with the company’s culture and objectives.
The expectation is that Marilly will leverage his extensive experience to innovate products and maintain the group’s competitive edge in the luxury market, particularly in cognac and other premium spirits. This aligns with the company’s focus on value strategy, as noted in the Wall Street Journal article, which mentioned his role in continuing these efforts.
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