What is the Secret Behind Bernard Arnault’s Success at LVMH?

When it comes to rising to the top of the world’s richest billionaires change is constant, with execs losing or gaining tens of billions of dollars in wealth overnight.

Following months of market turbulence, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault has climbed the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, fuelled by a standout earnings report from his company.

Overnight, between 14 and 15 October, Bernard’s net worth rose by US$19bn, with the total now standing at US$192bn.

The secret to his wealth? Louis Vuitton bags, TAG Heuer watches and Dom Perignon Champagne.

LVMH recently released its 2025 Q3 Revenue report, which noted an increase of 1% to €18.3bn (US$21.2 bn) across the quarter - the firm’s first period of growth since the start of its fiscal year.

According to Fortune, its shares also surged by 12% - the second largest market-based increase in the luxury fashion company’s almost 40-year history.

This increase in wealth has taken him to seventh place in Bloomberg’s ranking, overtaking former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at US$176bn.

Changes at LVMH

Reflecting on its recent improvements, LVMH says: “In an uncertain economic and geopolitical environment, the Group remains confident and will maintain a strategy focused on continuously enhancing the desirability of its brands, drawing on the authenticity and quality of its products, excellence in retail and agile organisation.”

Amid growth uncertainties, LVMH has made key leadership changes at major fashion Houses. 

In June 2025, Jonathan Anderson became Creative Director of Christian Dior Couture, overseeing womenswear, menswear and haute couture, tasked with reviving Dior’s lagging momentum.

Discussing his appointment, he said: “I am incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity to unite Dior’s women’s, men’s and couture collections under a single, cohesive vision. 

“My instinct is to be led by the house’s empathetic spirit.”

At Fendi, Maria Grazia Chiuri was named Chief Creative Officer in October. 

Bernard said: “Maria Grazia Chiuri is one of the greatest creative talents in fashion today.

“I am convinced that Maria Grazia will contribute to the artistic renewal and future success of the maison.”

CEO of Fendi, Ramon Ros, added: “Her talent and vision will be instrumental in fortifying Fendi’s heritage… and deepening our commitment to Italian craftsmanship.”

Meanwhile, LVMH sees tentative recovery in China, with sales rising 2% last quarter after a 9% fall. 

CFO Cécile Cabanis said: “The company is seeing encouraging China demand, despite the macroeconomic picture.”

Approach to strategy and growth at LVMH

Bernard has maintained the luxury conglomerate through a blend of creative autonomy, long-term control and disciplined expansion. 

Rather than chasing scale, LVMH has always prioritised desirability over volume.

Former CEO, Pierre-Yves Roussel said in an interview with McKinsey & Company in 2014: “We are in the business of creating desire and happiness.”

LVMH’s growth has been driven by strategic acquisitions, including Tiffany & Co., which Bernard revitalised through leadership changes and brand repositioning.

Key to his strategic approach is allowing each House to operate independently, maintaining agility and brand authenticity.

According to Forbes India, geographic expansion, particularly in Asia, has bolstered revenues, but Bernard avoids overexposure to maintain exclusivity. 

Meanwhile, governance remains central: in April 2025, Reuters reported that LVMH extended Bernard’s retirement age to 85, with 99.18% of votes from the board in favour.

He also continues preparing the next generation, appointing his children to key executive roles - including Alexandre Arnault as Executive Vice President of Product, Communications and Industrial at Tiffany & Co. and Frédéric Arnault, head of LVMH's watches division.

The CEO’s approach balances innovation with heritage, resulting in long-term brand equity and premium margins.