Brands
LVMH names François Kohler president for South and Southeast Asia
Appointment follows exit of Chris Chong after regional expansion drive
PARIS: Louis Vuitton parent company LVMH has appointed François Kohler as president, South and Southeast Asia, effective 23 February, 2026, as the luxury group steps up its ambitions in one of its fastest-growing regions.
Kohler will report to Stéphane Bianchi and will be tasked with accelerating growth across a cluster seen as strategically critical for the group’s maisons. LVMH said Kohler would draw on his deep retail and client expertise to expand networks and strengthen brand presence across diverse and rapidly evolving markets.
The appointment comes as Chris Chong exits the group after helping structure LVMH’s regional operations and laying the foundations for its expansion in South and Southeast Asia. Chong is leaving to pursue new career opportunities.
Commenting on the move, Bianchi said the region offered “amazing potential” for further growth, adding that Kohler’s entrepreneurial leadership and experience in developing retail networks across cultures would be key to capturing new opportunities. He also credited Chong with consolidating LVMH’s local footprint and reinforcing synergies to support long-term growth in South Asia.
The leadership change underscores LVMH’s renewed focus on Asia, where rising affluence and appetite for luxury continue to reshape the global growth map for high-end brands.
Brands
Hyundai India posts record April sales with 17-per cent growth
Domestic sales hit 51,902 units, exports stand at 13,708 units
MUMBAI: Hyundai is clearly shifting gears and April has put the pedal firmly to the metal. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has reported its highest-ever domestic sales for the month of April, clocking 51,902 units in April 2026, marking a 17 per cent year-on-year growth. The milestone sets a strong tone for the new financial year, signalling sustained demand momentum across its portfolio. Alongside domestic performance, the company recorded export volumes of 13,708 units for the month, underlining its continued strength in overseas markets.
The growth has been driven by a mix of refreshed models and special editions across segments. Recent launches and updates including the Exter, Verna, Ioniq 5, Creta Summer Edition, Grand i10 NIOS Vibe Edition and Venue Knight Edition have helped keep the line-up competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
A standout performer was the Venue, which recorded its highest-ever monthly domestic sales of 12,420 units. The model’s 5-Star Bharat NCAP safety rating, including for the VENUE N Line, appears to have bolstered consumer confidence, reflecting a broader industry shift where safety credentials are becoming a key purchase driver.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO, HMIL, said the company has carried forward recent momentum into the new financial year, with product interventions and safety-focused positioning playing a central role in driving growth.
The numbers suggest Hyundai’s strategy is ticking multiple boxes fresh product cycles, safety-led messaging and steady export performance. If April is any indication, the company isn’t just starting the year strong, it’s aiming to keep the engine running at full throttle.
