Hermès International has appointed Axel Dumas as co-chief executive officer.
Dumas – who is currently chief operating officer stepped up into the co-chief role on Tuesday. He is working alongside current chief executive Patrick Thomas, who will then retire at the beginning of 2014.
Forty-two year old Dumas, is a graduate from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, as well as a Harvard AMP graduate and holds a degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne. Since arriving at Hermès in 2003, he has held a number of key positions, including managing director of jewellery and then of leather goods.
In 2011 he was appointed chief operating officer of the group.
From June 4, Dumas is working alongside CEO Patrick Thomas for a transitional period, until Thomas’s retirement at the beginning of 2014.
Talking about the appointment, Emile Hermès chairman Henri-Louis Bauer said: "The Hermès family is delighted to see one of its own members taking charge of the company. Axel will have everyone’s support in continuing to develop this wonderful house to which we are so strongly attached."
Dumas too said he was delighted with the appointment and commented: "I am very honoured and touched by the trust that my family has shown in me through this appointment. I know that their support and vision will be invaluable in helping me to successfully follow on from the work of my predecessors, especially in protecting our independence."
