What: Elsa Haddad is appointed Director of Finance, Strategy, and Transformation at Galeries Lafayette, joining the executive committee.

Why it is important: Bringing in experienced leaders supports Galeries Lafayette’s efforts to modernise its network and accelerate digital and sustainability strategies.

Elsa Haddad’s appointment as Director of Finance, Strategy, and Transformation at Galeries Lafayette marks a significant step in the retailer’s ongoing evolution. Reporting directly to CEO Arthur Lemoine, Haddad will be responsible for steering the company’s transformation priorities and overseeing budget construction and monitoring. Her promotion follows a series of strategic leadership changes, including the recent appointment of Lemoine and the recruitment of Harold Israel, reflecting a deliberate effort to renew and strengthen the executive team. Haddad’s career trajectory within the group, from project management to digital and development roles, and most recently as head of Beauty, Home, and Leisure purchasing, positions her as a versatile leader equipped to drive operational excellence. The company’s current strategy involves optimising its store network, closing underperforming locations, and transitioning some franchises to the BHV brand, while also investing in digital innovation and sustainability. These moves underscore Galeries Lafayette’s commitment to adapting its business model to meet shifting consumer expectations and market dynamics.
IADS Notes: In July 2025, Galeries Lafayette underwent a major management reshuffle, appointing Arthur Lemoine as CEO and promoting several executives to support a comprehensive transformation strategy (WWD, July 2025). The group’s €400 million investment plan, detailed in February 2025, focuses on optimising the store network and modernising flagship locations, while closures in Marseille and Rosny 2 reflect ongoing consolidation efforts (Le Figaro, February 2025; Fashion Network, March 2025). The Haussmann flagship’s double-digit growth in 2025 and the launch of a new CSR strategy in April 2025 highlight the importance of digital, omnichannel, and sustainability initiatives, all of which are being advanced by experienced leaders like Elsa Haddad (Fashion Network, July 2025; Fashion Network, April 2025).

Galeries Lafayette promotes Elsa Haddad as its new Director of Finance, Strategy and Transformation