Jean-Christophe Babin
Chairman of Bulgari; chief executive from 2013 to June 2026
Jean-Christophe Babin is a French luxury executive who led the Roman jeweller Bulgari as chief executive from 2013 until June 2026, after previously running TAG Heuer. Since 1 July 2026 he has been chairman of Bulgari, chief executive of its hotel business and president of the Bulgari Foundation, while Laura Burdese has taken over as chief executive.
| Current role | Chairman, Bulgari (since July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Bulgari chief executive | February 2013 to June 2026 |
| Previous role | Chief executive, TAG Heuer |
| Group | LVMH |
| Successor | Laura Burdese |
Who is Jean-Christophe Babin?
Jean-Christophe Babin is one of the longest serving brand chief executives in the LVMH group, with around 25 years in the group. He became chief executive of Bulgari in 2013, the first chief executive appointed by LVMH after its acquisition of the Italian jeweller, and held the role for more than a decade before handing over to his deputy Laura Burdese on 1 July 2026.
Career
Babin started his career in marketing at Procter & Gamble in France in 1983 and later worked for Benckiser and Henkel in Italy. He then joined LVMH to lead the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, which he ran before moving to Bulgari in February 2013.
- Procter & Gamble: marketing, from 1983
- Benckiser and Henkel: roles in Italy
- TAG Heuer: chief executive before 2013
- Bulgari: chief executive, February 2013 to June 2026
- Bulgari: chairman of the board, chief executive of the hotel business unit and president of the Bulgari Foundation since July 2026
Influence on the fashion business
Under Babin, Bulgari became one of the main growth engines of LVMH's watches and jewellery division. According to Il Sole 24 Ore, the brand's revenues multiplied about 4.5 times during his leadership and its workforce grew from around 2,800 to about 7,000 employees. Bulgari's activities span jewellery, watches, fragrances, accessories, leather goods and hotels.
The leadership transition announced for 2026 was designed as an orderly succession. Laura Burdese, deputy chief executive since July 2024, became chief executive, while Babin remained chairman and took charge of Bulgari Hotels and the Bulgari Foundation, created in 2024, reporting to Stéphane Bianchi, who oversees the group's watches and jewellery activities.
His career, which began in consumer goods marketing, reflects the profile LVMH has often favoured for its brand leaders: strong commercial and brand management skills applied to heritage houses.
Why it matters
Babin's tenure is a reference case for how a conglomerate can scale an acquired family brand: retaining its cultural identity, investing in high jewellery and flagship retail, and extending the name into adjacent categories such as hotels. His move to a non executive and hospitality focused role, with an internal successor, also shows how LVMH manages continuity at its key maisons.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Jean-Christophe Babin?
Jean-Christophe Babin is a French executive who was chief executive of Bulgari from 2013 to June 2026 and previously ran TAG Heuer. Since July 2026 he has been chairman of Bulgari and head of its hotel business.
Who is the CEO of Bulgari in 2026?
Laura Burdese became chief executive of Bulgari on 1 July 2026, succeeding Jean-Christophe Babin. She had been deputy chief executive since July 2024.