Arie Kopelman, former president and COO of Chanel, dies at 86

Arie Kopelman, the former president and chief operating officer of Chanel, passed away on Monday at the age of 86 after battling pancreatic cancer. 

Kopelman began his professional journey at Procter & Gamble but quickly transitioned into advertising, joining Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB Worldwide). During his 20-year tenure at the agency, he worked with numerous major brands, eventually rising to vice chairman.

In 1985, Kopelman was appointed president and COO of Chanel Inc. in New York. Under his leadership, the luxury brand underwent a significant transformation. Kopelman spearheaded the remodeling of Chanel boutiques, increased advertising spending, and introduced more accessible pricing. He also played a pivotal role in expanding Chanel’s beauty lines, which became a thriving part of the company’s business. After retiring in 2004, he continued to serve as vice chairman, providing guidance to the company.

In addition to his accomplishments at Chanel, Kopelman was deeply committed to philanthropy. He contributed to numerous causes, including serving on the board of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. In 2022, Kopelman was honored with the Legacy Award at the Personal Care Product Council’s Look Good Feel Better Beauty Cares DreamBall.

Kopelman is survived by his wife, Coco, his daughter, Jill Kargman, his son, Will Kopelman, and six grandchildren. His daughter Jill announced the news of his passing on Instagram, writing a heartfelt tribute: 

“Since grief is the price we pay for love, I am swimming against a tsunami of tears because the love in our family is seismic. I’m shattered but grateful my beloved dad shredded the odds and lived for almost a year and a half after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis that predicted a fraction of that: we appreciated joy every minute together and nothing was left unsaid. My hilarious, loving, genius father worshipped his grandchildren and infused us all with his contagious passion for everything in life— a delicious meal, a funny joke, a shared nugget of wisdom— his twinkling eyes, infectious spirit, and witty wisdom will be cherished by all who knew him forever, especially my mom with whom he shared a 53-year love story.”