Michael Chalhoub’s strategic roadmap for Chalhoub Group

What: In a recent interview with Business of Fashion, Chalhoub Group's new CEO outlines strategic vision focusing on emerging markets and digital transformation.

Why it is important: This leadership transition demonstrates how family-owned luxury retail businesses can successfully evolve while maintaining market leadership in emerging markets.

Michael Chalhoub, in his first 100 days as CEO of Chalhoub Group, has outlined an ambitious vision for the luxury retail giant's future, building on the company's strongest-ever performance in March 2025. The Group, which represents hundreds of global fashion brands including Versace and Jimmy Choo across eight countries, is expanding beyond its Middle Eastern foundations into Africa and Latin America. This strategic expansion includes enhanced omnichannel operations, with innovations like Ramadan-specific delivery times and two-hour delivery capabilities in key markets. The company's transformation encompasses significant digital integration, evidenced by its recent SAP partnership and AI implementation. Under Michael's leadership, Chalhoub Group is positioning itself as a crucial bridge between Western luxury brands and emerging markets, while maintaining its commitment to understanding diverse regional consumer needs.

IADS Notes: Recent developments highlight the Chalhoub Group's successful evolution. In November 2024, the company implemented comprehensive digital transformation initiatives, including AI-powered solutions and cloud infrastructure. This technological advancement complements their strategic expansion, as seen in January 2025 with their innovative travel retail concept launch in Saudi Arabia. The Group's commitment to sustainability was demonstrated through their ESG-linked working capital facility secured in November 2024, while their successful skincare summit in Riyadh showcased their deep understanding of regional consumer preferences, particularly among Gen Z customers.