In Good Hands
Luxury brand Charriol did not have to look far and wide for the best people to fill the vacancy left by its late founder Philippe Charriol; his children were more than qualified to run the company
The untimely death of its founder, Philippe Charriol, forced an early realignment of the leadership of this iconic jewellery brand. Fortunately, talent runs deep in the Charriol bloodline and those who stood in line have already been exposed to and trained in the business. So, 10 months after that fatal car racing accident that claimed the life of this figure who loomed large in the industry of luxury jewellery, the new appointments taking on the helm of Charriol were formally announced, in a lunch hosted by the brand’s long-standing partner in the Philippines, the Tantoco family via its franchise holder, SSI.
Not surprisingly, on the top seat is Coralie Charriol-Paul, Philippe’s daughter, as executive chairwoman and creative director of Philippe Charriol International. A mother of three, she has worked for the family business in different capacities, from being the brand’s face to working with its designers to push her father’s vision.
“There are two days that justify what I do: the day I get an idea, and the day I cross paths with a stranger wearing one of my creations,” goes an often-quoted statement by Coralie who has designed 27 jewellery collections for Charriol. But now, her realm has considerably expanded. While she acknowledges the pressures of her new position where she fills the vacancy left by her father, she is making her own mark on the industry, and plans to take the brand to the next level.
Coralie’s brother, Alexander, who has been working closely with his father for the last 10 years, is also occupying new positions in the company. An artist by profession, he is now the art director and director of licenses for Charriol. “As an artist, I always try to steer away from cliché and prefer to think outside the box,” he says. My artistic side means I am attuned to feelings and trends, and I know we have to open up and have more of a conversation around the brand.”
Completing the top executive triumvirate is Ludovic Lesur, Charriol’s former marketing director, who steps up as the company’s CEO.