Chanel recruits LVMH exec Sophie Brocart to lead circularity entity

Chanel is moving towards a sustainable future by hiring Sophie Brocart, an exec for rival beauty and fashion conglomerate LVMH, to establish a new entity dedicated to its circularity mission. 

Currently, Brocart is the CEO of Patou and has led the revival of the dormant house since 2018. She was also one of the brains who helped set up the LVMH Prize for Young Designers and continues to serve as a mentoring director and on its selection committee.

Chanel confirmed Brocart's arrival in a statement to WWD but did not specify the scope of her new role. However, sources indicated that she will join Chanel in early 2025.

Sophie Brocart will be responsible for overseeing the development of strategies to promote circularity. Her expertise will aid Chanel in its sustainability efforts, which include reducing carbon emissions. It is on its way to have net-zero emissions by 2040.

Chanel has been advancing its sustainability efforts since 2020 when it established the 'Chanel Mission 1.5'. As part of its renewed focus, in 2021, Chanel named Kate Wylie its Chief Sustainability Officer.

The brand has also since joined a collective along with L'Oréal, Clarins and more major players in the beauty space to develop solutions for reusing packaging.

The luxury house said its sustainability ambition "is focused on the areas where we believe Chanel can have the greatest positive impact: restoring nature, protecting climate, investing in circularity; and supporting dignity and opportunity for all, particularly the autonomy of women".

"As we face the urgent challenges of today and the future, we aim to be a part of what must come: a world where people, nature and business thrive together," it added.