LVMH names François Kohler president for South and Southeast Asia

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.