Printemps, the French luxury department store group, has named Rémy Baume as its new CEO. His appointment ends months of speculation about the company’s leadership and takes effect right away. This comes at a crucial time for Printemps as it adapts to shifting consumer habits, evolving digital trends, and a challenging global retail environment.
Baume takes over from Jean-Marc Bellaïche, who left in September 2025 to head the hospitality group Sani/Ikos. Since Bellaïche’s departure, Printemps has been without a permanent CEO and has been considering its next steps.
Baume, 50, brings a strong background in retail, fashion, consulting, and corporate strategy. He was most recently CEO of Zadig & Voltaire, where he helped grow the brand’s business and reportedly boosted annual sales to about €450 million. He also helped relaunch The Kooples after Verdoso acquired it.
Before entering the fashion industry, Baume built experience at several major international organizations, including Morgan Stanley, McKinsey & Company, Carrefour, and LVMH. His diverse career path has given him expertise across finance, brand development, operational management, and retail transformation—qualities that Printemps believes will be essential for its future growth.
In a statement following his appointment, Baume highlighted the enduring appeal of retail despite rapid industry changes. He emphasized that qualities such as innovation, customer experience, hospitality, and product discovery remain central to successful retail businesses. He also described the opportunity to lead Printemps as both an honor and a chance to write a new chapter for one of France’s most iconic department store brands.
Baume now leads a company with about 3,000 employees and 20 department stores, including locations in New York and Doha. Printemps also runs nine Citadium stores aimed at younger, fashion-focused shoppers.
His arrival comes during a period of transformation for Printemps. The retailer recently announced organizational restructuring efforts and plans to close its Rennes store. At the same time, the company continues to expand internationally, highlighted by the opening of its first US location in New York’s Financial District, reflecting growing interest in the American luxury retail market.
The industry still faces big challenges. Department stores in Europe are under pressure from changing shopping habits, less tourism in some areas, and more competition from online brands and luxury e-commerce. Printemps needs to keep investing in its stores while also improving its online presence.
Baume is known for leading business changes and building premium brands. He is expected to modernize operations, improve customer experiences, and help Printemps grow sustainably. His appointment shows Printemps wants to blend its heritage with a more flexible and forward-looking strategy.
