‘My mission is to create happiness’
Vitalie Taittinger is the marketing and communications director for Champagne house Taittinger. She lives in Reims, France, with her husband. They have four children.
Despite my surname, Champagne wasn’t a big part of my childhood. My father, Pierre-emmanuel, worked at our family’s Champagne house and hosted Taittinger dinners at home, but he didn’t push it on us.
I wanted to be an artist, so I studied art and started my own business producing marketing illustrations for different brands, including press books and animated cards for the restaurants Pierre Gagnaire and Relais & Châteaux.
I had my first child, Pia, in 2004 (a good vintage!) and I was working for myself at the time, which was great because I had flexibility. Our children range in age from four to 14, so it can be a handful. Balance is what I strive for. Sometimes you think everything is working well, then you take a closer look and realise it’s far from perfect.
Taittinger was sold to an investment firm in 2005. My father was heartbroken that he hadn’t been able to pass the business on to the next generation. It was a sad time. Thankfully, a year later, he managed to buy it back. Seeing him fight for it struck a chord. I asked to work with my father so I could learn from him, and my brother joined in, too.
I started as a packaging designer – I’m now the artistic director, but I also look after marketing and communications. I work on advertising campaigns, dream up packaging designs, check production and often have lunch with journalists or customers. I don’t think about being a leader – for me, it’s about bringing our employees on an adventure and helping them find value. I love it when people have ideas better than mine! At the moment, I’m working on our new website, which involves a lot of attention to detail.
I’m proud to work with my father and brother. It’s a successful dynamic because my father trusts us completely. Being a family business is at the heart of what we do. It’s rare for a Champagne brand not to be owned by a conglomerate. When I look at our cellars, which date back to the 4th century, I realise I have a small part to play in the business. The history of the house is overwhelming. I’m only here for a few years, but I’d love to ensure the successful transition of Taittinger to the next generation.
Knowing our product is at the heart of people’s celebrations is an honour. Having a mission to create happiness is satisfying. Of course, Champagne is at the heart of our family celebrations, but it’s so omnipresent that I don’t feel conscious of it most of the time! Will we be drinking at Christmas and on New Year’s Eve? Without question, yes!
What I STRIVE FOR
is balance