Philippe Berlan resigns as CEO

After announcing a strategic focus on homewares in November 2023, La Redoute now faces a significant leadership shakeup. Philippe Berlan will leave his position at the end of July, having served as CEO since March 2022. An executive committee will take on interim responsibilities under the leadership of Philippe Houzé, chairman of La Redoute and head of parent company Galeries Lafayette.

Philippe Berlan, who previously held positions at Petit Bateau, Casino and Lancel, is leaving “to seek a new professional opportunity,” according to a company statement. A search for his successor is underway.

“Philippe Berlan has played a key role in the transformation of La Redoute since he joined us in 2012, establishing the company as a leading player in the French e-commerce market,” said Philippe Houzé. “As La Redoute enters a new phase of growth, focusing on the lifestyle and home markets, driven by strong international expansion and the excellence of its own brands (La Redoute Intérieurs, AMPM, La Redoute Collections), I am confident of the full commitment of the executive committee and the teams to continue to grow this great company together.”

La Redoute’s plan for 2024-2027 is to “become the European leader” in the homeware and decoration market, which currently accounts for over 60% of sales. While the fashion segment, which has been its core for decades, is not being abandoned, it is being streamlined and renewed towards a range of timeless pieces, with a particular focus on increasing the share of products made in Europe.

La Redoute boasts 8.8 million active customers worldwide and operates 9 stores and 50 points of sale. The platform records a turnover of around €1 billion, 35% of which comes from exports. Like many online businesses, it has seen a slight drop in activity after the Covid boom. The Houzé family first entered the capital of La Redoute in 2017, before the duo Nathalie Balla and Eric Courteille sold them 100% of the shares in spring 2022.