Parfums de Marly CEO exits after 10 years as successor announced

Julien Sausset, CEO of niche fragrance brands Parfums de Marly and Initio, is stepping down after almost a decade in the role. 

Sausset will be succeeded by Patrice Béliard, who will take over from 1 October 2025.

Béliard brings 25 years of experience working for major corporations such as Shiseido and Estée Lauder Companies, where he most recently served as Global President of Kilian Paris, Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, Darphin Paris, and Lab Series.

Confirming the news on LinkedIn, Sausset said: "Serving as CEO for Parfums de Marly and Initio has been an incredible adventure.

"Turning dreams into reality has been our daily bread and butter for almost 10 years now. Time has come for me to concentrate on new ventures and those around me.

"I would like to thank all my teams at Parfums de Marly and Initio for their exceptional commitment to our success, hard work and incomparable focus, making this company unstoppable.

"I am also immensely pleased to welcome Patrice Béliard, whose shared vision and amazing track record in the industry makes him a natural successor as CEO for Parfums de Marly and Initio."

Over the past five years, combined retail sales of the two brands have increased tenfold and are projected to exceed $900 million by the end of their current fiscal year, which concludes in March 2026, according to WWD.

Amid the rapid growth of the niche fragrance sector - now one of the most dynamic segments in the beauty industry - Parfums de Marly and Initio have established a significant presence.