Alain Wertheimer
Chairman and co-owner of Chanel
Alain Wertheimer is the chairman and, with his brother Gérard, co-owner of Chanel, one of the largest privately held luxury companies in the world. A member of the family that co-founded the Chanel business with Gabrielle Chanel in the 1920s, he has led the house for decades from New York, keeping it independent while investing in the artisans and suppliers behind its products.
| Role | Chairman and co-owner, Chanel |
|---|---|
| Born | 1948 |
| Nationality | French |
| Based in | New York |
| Co-owner | Gérard Wertheimer (brother) |
Who is Alain Wertheimer?
Alain Wertheimer, born in 1948, is the chairman of Chanel and, together with his brother Gérard, its controlling owner. He is a French citizen and is based in New York. Chanel is one of the very few global luxury houses of its size that remains privately owned, and Alain Wertheimer is widely regarded as the person who runs the company at shareholder level.
Career
The Wertheimer family's involvement with Chanel dates back to the 1920s. His grandfather Pierre Wertheimer partnered with Gabrielle Chanel in 1924 to develop the business, starting with fragrance. As chairman, Alain Wertheimer oversees a global house spanning fashion, fragrance and beauty, watches and fine jewellery.
- Chanel: chairman and co-owner with his brother Gérard
- Long term creative partnership: Karl Lagerfeld led Chanel's fashion collections for more than 35 years, until his death in 2019
- Acquisitions: the group has bought companies including the lingerie and swimwear label Eres, the leather goods maker Tanner Krolle and the gunmaker and outfitter Holland & Holland
- Base: New York
Influence on the fashion business
Under the ownership of Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, Chanel has followed a strategy that differs from listed luxury groups. Free from quarterly market pressure, the company has been able to make long term choices: retaining a single creative leader for decades, investing in the specialist workshops that supply its haute couture and ready to wear, and keeping a tight grip on distribution and pricing.
As chairman, Wertheimer also oversees the choice of the company's executive leadership. Chanel's operational management is led by global chief executive Leena Nair, while the fashion collections are designed by the creative director appointed by the owners.
The most visible expression of this long term approach was the partnership with Karl Lagerfeld, who designed Chanel's collections for more than 35 years until his death in 2019, one of the longest creative tenures at any major fashion house. Under the brothers' ownership Chanel also acquired companies outside its core, including Eres, Tanner Krolle and Holland & Holland, between 1989 and 2021.
Why it matters
Alain Wertheimer is one of the most influential and least public figures in luxury. Chanel's private ownership allows it to pursue a long term, brand first strategy that listed competitors often find difficult to replicate, and the decisions taken by the owners on creative leadership, pricing and craftsmanship are watched closely across the industry.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Chanel?
Chanel is privately owned by the brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer. Their grandfather Pierre Wertheimer partnered with Gabrielle Chanel in 1924.
Who is Alain Wertheimer?
Alain Wertheimer is the chairman and co-owner of Chanel. Based in New York, he oversees the company at shareholder level and is known for keeping the house independent and privately owned.