Are They the Ones Who Rule Luxury? The Top 30 Most Influential People in the Luxury Goods Market in 2025

The luxury goods market is undergoing a transformation – after years of growth, it's time for a redefinition. At the heart of this transformation are leaders who not only manage billion-dollar empires but also set the tone for the entire industry. The Top 100 Most Influential Luxury Professionals in the World 2025 ranking reveals who truly rules the world of luxury today.

Although the global luxury goods market reached a record €1.5 trillion in 2023, growing by 8-10%, the industry is now facing a new reality – a slowdown, a more cautious consumer, and the need to redefine value. Despite this, luxury remains strong – it's changing direction. Driven by the growing purchasing power of Generation Z and Millennials , it's shifting towards digitalization, conscious consumption, and a new aesthetic. This is a time of generational transformation: icons are giving way to new leaders, and major fashion houses are opening up to collaborations with musicians and influencers who better understand younger generations. However, success in luxury is not just about artistic vision; it's also about a strong strategy, investments, and billions in cash. It is in this context that the Top 100 Most Influential Luxury Professionals in the World 2025 ranking was created – a compass for the industry, identifying those who truly lead the world of luxury . Who can call themselves the king of luxury?

Luxury boutiques in a shopping mall - Gucci, LV / Shutterstock

Bernard Arnault – the ruler of luxury and LVMH

Bernard Arnault has been at the helm of the LVMH conglomerate for years, encompassing over 75 brands—from Louis Vuitton to Tiffany & Co. In 2023, Arnault briefly became the world's richest man , confirming the might of his empire. His strategy isn't just acquisitions—it's cultivating the brand's legacy and managing expansion. Bernard Arnault has also proven his ability to adapt to geopolitical turmoil, including the eccentric antics of Donald Trump.

Bernard Arnault - CEO of LVMH / Shutterstock

François Henri Pinault – Bernard Arnault's biggest rival and CEO of the Kering Group

François Henri Pinault transformed the family-owned Kering company into a global player, with Gucci at its helm. His portfolio—to spite Bernard Arnault—includes brands such as Saint Laurent , Bottega Veneta , Balenciaga , and Valentino . His approach combines business audacity with creative sensitivity and a commitment to art.

François Henri Pinault -CEO of Kering / Shutterstock

Johann Rupert – founder of Richemont

Johann Rupert , founder of Richemont , has led the Swiss conglomerate known for brands like Cartier , Van Cleef & Arpels , and Jaeger LeCoultre for over three decades. He focused on "hard" luxury, meaning watches and jewelry.

Leena Nair – the woman at the helm of Chanel

Leena Nair , the first woman and Asian CEO of Chanel (since January 2022), brings a fresh new dimension to the French business icon. She previously built her career at Unilever as Chief Human Resources Officer, a leadership that pays off with people-focused leadership. She combines the brand's classic DNA—from No. 5 to 2.55 handbags—with inclusivity, digital development, and expansion in China.

Axel Dumas – head of the luxury fashion house Hermès

Axel Dumas , descendant of the founder of the iconic Hermès fashion house, took over as CEO in 2013 and has since then consistently nurtured tradition and upheld the myth of craftsmanship excellence . His strategy is based on patient value creation – Hermès is growing dynamically without losing any of its heritage and elite character. The Birkin remains the most coveted handbag in the world, and the fashion house is still profitable despite the global crisis in the luxury goods market.

Top 30 Most Influential People in the Luxury Industry 2025