Qeelin: Christophe Artaux new CEO

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Jan 12, 2015

Qeelin is starting a new chapter. The Chinese jewelry brand, in which Kerning acquired a majority stake in late 2012, has appointed Christopher Artaux its new CEO. "He replaces Guillaume Brochard, co-founder of Qeelin, who has chosen to leave the company for personal reasons," said Kering in a statement.

In 1997, during a visit to the Mogao caves in the heart of the Gobi desert, Dennis Chan, creative director of Qeelin, "had a revelation about the rich artistic heritage of Chinese craftsmanship" and decided to launch the jewelry brand. He then teamed up with French entrepreneur Guillaume Brochard, co-founder of the brand, who became the brand’s manager, according to Qeelin’s website. 

"I would like to thank Guillaume Brochard for his hard work and dedication in launching and growing Qeelin to the unique brand it is today," said Albert Bensoussan, CEO of Kering’s "Luxury - Watches & Jewelry" division, without giving further details regarding the entrepreneur’s departure. 

Bensoussan also welcomed the arrival of Christopher Artaux, who will work alongside Dennis Chan, complimenting him on his "experience and knowledge of the market, [which] will allow him to support and boost Qeelin’s growth in China."

Artaux recently worked in Milan as an independent business consultant for a jewelry brand. A graduate of Reims Management School, he began his career as a financial auditor within Coopers & Lybrand, now known as PwC. 

He then spent four years as financial director and internal auditor within the Yves Rocher Group. In 2000, he joined the LVMH Group, where he spent over 13 years at senior management, commercial and financial positions within the Watches & Jewelry division, including Hublot and TAG Heuer.