Chanel recruits LVMH exec Sophie Brocart to lead circularity initiatives
Chanel is moving towards a sustainable future by hiring Sophie Brocart, an exec for rival fashion conglomerate LVMH, to establish a new entity dedicated to its circularity mission.
Brocart began her career in LVMH’s human resources department in 1995 before joining Louis Vuitton as Group Merchandising Manager for Leather Goods. In 2000 she moved to Celine but left the group in 2010 to become MD of Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle before founding her own consultancy. She couldn’t stay away from LVMH and in 2013 she was back with the conglomerate as SVP of Fashion Ventures.
Currently, Brocart is the CEO of Patou and has led the revival of the dormant house since 2018. She was also one of the brains who helped set up the LVMH Prize for Young Designers and continues to serve as a mentoring director and on its selection committee.
Chanel confirmed Brocart’s arrival in a statement to WWD but did not specify the scope of her new role. However, sources indicated that she will join Chanel in early 2025.
Sophie Brocart will be responsible for overseeing the development of strategies to promote circularity. Her expertise will aid Chanel in its sustainability efforts, which include reducing carbon emissions. It is on its way to have net-zero emissions by 2040.
Chanel has been advancing its sustainability efforts since 2020 when it established the ‘Chanel Mission 1.5’. As part of its renewed focus, in 2021, Chanel named Kate Wylie its Chief Sustainability Officer.
Since then, it has become the brains behind “Atelier des Matières”, an arm of the business that recycles unused materials. It also partnered up with the University of Cambridge to train its management and operational teams on more sustainable practices. There is a particular focus on biodiversity and carbon reduction.
As for its beauty sector, Chanel joined a collective along with L’Oréal, Clarins and more major players in the beauty space to develop solutions for reusing packaging.
The luxury house said its sustainability ambition “is focused on the areas where we believe Chanel can have the greatest positive impact: restoring nature, protecting climate, investing in circularity; and supporting dignity and opportunity for all, particularly the autonomy of women”.
“As we face the urgent challenges of today and the future, we aim to be a part of what must come: a world where people, nature and business thrive together,” it added.
