The world of fashion and high-end retail is entering a major strategic turning point. The Supervisory Board of the Printemps Group has officially appointed Rémy Baume as Chairman and CEO. This appointment fills a vacancy that has existed for several months at the helm of the institution, following the departure in September 2025 of Jean-Marc Bellaiche, who left to lead the Greek hotel group Sani/Ikos Group.
For the Printemps Group, owned since 2013 by the Qatari investment fund Divine Investments SA, this choice reflects a clear desire to reconcile tradition and modernity. In a sector in constant flux, the new leader said he was honored to take the reins of this “pioneering institution.” Rémy Baume intends to build on the department store’s historical foundations, novelty, pleasure, quality, and hospitality, while infusing a dynamic that is “human and driven by everything our era makes possible.”
A distinguished career spanning finance, consulting, and retail
At 50, Rémy Baume brings a highly versatile background, shaped at the intersection of elite finance, strategic consulting, and operational management. A graduate of ESCP Business School and holder of an MBA from the prestigious Columbia Business School, he launched his career with a bang at Morgan Stanley as a financial analyst and M&A specialist. He then honed his strategic analysis skills at the consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
His entry into the world of major corporations was through the front door: he first joined the Arnault Group / LVMH as director of investments for a short period. He then turned to mass retail by joining the Carrefour Group. For several years, he held key roles there related to strategy, transformation, and non-food sectors, eventually serving on the retail giant’s executive committee.
Starting in 2013, Rémy Baume built a solid reputation as an expert in fashion and ready-to-wear. He then became chairman of Kidiliz Group (formerly Groupe Zannier), a leader in children’s fashion, where he oversaw renowned licenses (Kenzo, Paul Smith, Jean Paul Gaultier, Levi’s) and in-house brands such as Catimini.
In 2020, he took a new step by becoming CEO of the contemporary brand Zadig & Voltaire, further solidifying his expertise in international expansion and the management of large-scale organizations.
The challenges awaiting him at Printemps
The Supervisory Board of Printemps is full of praise for its new leader, hailing his “ability to combine strategic vision with operational excellence in a highly competitive environment.” His in-depth understanding of retail challenges will be a crucial asset for the group.
Rémy Baume takes the reins of the group shortly after the announcement of a new restructuring plan, marked by job cuts and the symbolic closure of the Rennes store.
It is against this delicate social and economic backdrop that he is set to lead an empire that still comprises 3,000 employees, 3,500 partner brands, and 180,000 square meters of retail space. His mission will be twofold : to anchor Printemps in sustainable growth while reinventing the customer experience in light of new shopping behaviors. To meet this daunting challenge, this multifaceted manager will need to accelerate the group’s digital transformation and strengthen its omnichannel strategy, an approach that has become vital for the survival and influence of department stores.
Read more > Printemps announces a new restructuring plan
Featured photo : © Groupe Printemps
