Bernard Arnault, the founder of the luxury fashion empire LVMH with a net worth of $193 billion, is currently focused on training capable heirs to run the conglomerate. He has five children: two from his first marriage, Antoine and Delphine, and three from his second marriage to Mercier—Alexandre, Frédéric, and Jean.
All five of his children work at LVMH in various positions. The public is drawn to the Arnault family’s inheritance story, as all five children are exceptional, prioritizing their education and achieving impressive academic results.
Recognized as a wise and persistent businessman, Bernard Arnault places great emphasis on raising his children.
Monthly Lunches with His Children
To stay connected with his children, Bernard arranges a monthly lunch lasting 90 minutes, with all five present. These meetings are strategically focused on their future careers and lives.
These gatherings take place in a secure dining room designated for senior management at the company’s Paris headquarters. During these meals, Bernard discusses various topics and poses numerous questions. In fact, these full-family meetings are seen as small competitions among the five siblings in front of their powerful father.
Through this approach, Bernard not only monitors his children’s progress but also creates an environment for learning and development that lays a strong foundation for the future of the LVMH group.
The Billionaire’s Request: No Rivalry, Only Respect
Bernard Arnault has instilled in his children from a young age that the collective interests of the family and the company must take precedence over personal disagreements. So far, his children have excelled and embodied the values he has taught them.
He desires for his children to progress through healthy competition based on mutual respect. Bernard opposes any negative rivalry or comparisons, discouraging them from debating who is better in any situation.
He particularly insists that his children do not display disagreements or conflicts in front of outsiders. Bernard closely monitors their development and has asked long-time associates to assist in guiding his children. Toledano has noted that Bernard often inquires about the progress of his five children, showing keen interest in their personalities and asking if any behavioral adjustments are needed.
Marketing expert Erwan Rambourg, who worked at LVMH, stated that Bernard’s approach to raising and managing his children is very satisfying to investors. Shareholders place great trust in the Arnault children due to their demonstrated excellence in both their studies and professional endeavors.
