Motier Holding refines management structure

Ginette Moulin, chairwoman of Motier, has stepped down. The resignation of Moulin, who has presided over Motier since 2005, is part of a strategic shift to “entrust greater responsibilities to the fifth generation of family leaders.” Motier serves as the parent company that holds all the Moulin family’s assets, notably including complete ownership of the Galeries Lafayette group.

Her son-in-law Philippe Houzé will take over as chairman of the holding, as detailed in a statement released this Wednesday. Additionally, Nicolas Houzé, Guillaume Houzé, and Arthur Lemoine have been named vice-presidents of the company, with Augustin Belloy appointed as the secretary-general.

Motier also owns La Redoute and retains a substantial stake in Carrefour. After divesting some of its shares last spring, its subsidiary Galfa maintained a 7.71% stake in the French retail giant.

Furthermore, Motier operates the investment vehicle Motier Ventures, which makes investments ranging from €300,000 to €3 million in startups and currently holds over 20 investments. It also oversees Motier Domaines, which includes vineyards and shares in various enterprises.

This management transition also prompts a reshuffling of roles within the family enterprise. Patricia Moulin Lemoine continues as chair of the supervisory board, a role she assumed from Ginette Moulin, her mother, in 2017 when the latter was 90 years old. Nicolas Houzé, 49, who has been CEO of Galeries Lafayette since 2013, is appointed chairman of the group’s management board.

As chairman, and also serving as head of the strategic committee for the Fashion and Luxury sector, Nicolas Houzé is tasked with defining and implementing the strategic vision for the Galeries Lafayette group and its assets. He will be supported by the newly structured management board, which includes Guillaume Houzé (his brother), Arthur Lemoine (his cousin), and Ugo Supino (the group’s CFO).

Earlier this year, Nicolas Houzé outlined future investments for the group and highlighted that the Galeries Lafayette network achieved sales of €3.645 billion in 2023.