Bernard Arnault, chair and CEO of luxury giant LVMH, has been formally inducted into the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques. This cements his status not only as the world’s leading luxury tycoon but also as a major figure in France’s intellectual and economic life. Elected in December 2024, he now occupies a prestigious chair in the “Political Economy, Statistics and Finance” section of the Institut de France.
Arnault joins France’s intellectual elite
Bernard Arnault was officially inducted on January 12, 2026, taking the seat previously held by the late Denis Kessler, former chair of reinsurer SCOR, who died in June 2023. The appointment recognizes the scale of LVMH’s contribution to the French and European economies, as well as its global cultural influence.
In his speech, Bernard Arnault paid tribute to Denis Kessler, saying, “I take up the baton that, beyond death, my friend Denis Kessler extends to me, so that within this Academy, but also beyond it, I may contribute to the spirit of freedom, ambition, generosity, uncompromising standards and entrepreneurial passion that he embodied in his own way.” The role places Arnault among 50 full academicians. Each is elected by absolute majority to fill a vacant chair.
Ceremony details: Dior uniform and Gehry-designed sword
Staying true to the codes of French tradition and luxury, Bernard Arnault’s ceremonial sword was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. He passed away in December and also created the Fondation Louis Vuitton building. The piece symbolically links Arnault’s academic honor to the architectural landmark commissioned by LVMH.
His green academic uniform was made by Dior, one of LVMH’s flagship maisons. It subtly showcases the group’s craftsmanship at the heart of the ceremony. The event reinforced how deeply LVMH’s brands are woven into France’s institutional and cultural rituals.
High-profile guests from politics and business
The induction drew a powerful guest list, including First Lady Brigitte Macron, Culture Minister Rachida Dati, billionaire Vincent Bolloré, and Maurice Lévy, honorary chair of Publicis. Political leaders such as Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Île-de-France region president Valérie Pécresse, along with several ambassadors, were also in attendance.
Bernard Arnault was joined by members of his family, senior LVMH executives, and designers like Pharrell Williams, artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear. Their presence underscored LVMH’s blend of business, culture, and celebrity at the highest levels.
A ‘great entrepreneur’ celebrated
In his welcome address, former European Central Bank President, Jean-Claude Trichet said, “As for great entrepreneurs, I believe I can demonstrate that Mr. Arnault does indeed belong to this category if we consider only the objective data: the importance of the company in France and worldwide, its contribution to the prosperity of the French economy – and the European economy -, and its decisive role in disseminating and promoting French and European excellence in the global economy”. He highlighted the group’s contribution to prosperity and its cultural reach in the global economy.
The induction adds to Bernard Arnault’s growing list of distinctions, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, which he received in March. Together, these honors frame Arnault as both a corporate leader and a symbolic ambassador of French luxury and economic power.
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