Vogue Education Presents: Bertrand Michaud

Bertrand Michaud Industry talk

The Condé Nast College was delighted to welcome Managing Director of Hermès GB, Bertrand Michaud to speak at our weekly industry speaker programme, Vogue Education Presents. Read on to find out more about the Bertrand Michaud industry talk. 

 

About Betrand Michaud

 

Bertrand Michaud has worked for Hermès for almost thirty years.  Prior to his appointment in 2012 as Managing Director of Hermès GB, he was Regional MD of Hermès India, Middle East and South-East Asia based in New Delhi. Before that, he was the Regional MD of Hermès Asia Pacific.  Michaud is a graduate of the University of Paris with a Master of Law, of Political Sciences and a pre-doctoral degree in Defence Studies. He is also Governor of the Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill and is a member of the Légion d’Honneur.

Hermès enjoys iconic status in the world of luxury. A combination of rich heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, an eye for detail, and high levels of quality and professionalism through the entire manufacturing process gives Hermès a position of superiority in the very competitive and ruthless world of luxury.  An independent family-owned company, Hermès has remained faithful to its artisan styling and its humanist values since 1837. 

 “Quality has no price”  – Betrand Michaud

Betrand Michaud Industry Talk

During Michaud’s talk, he spoke about the integrity and authenticity of the Hermès brand and what makes it unique, stating that “Quality has no price”.  He spoke about the high quality craftsmanship, and how Hermès train their craftsman for a lifelong career with the brand. 

Michaud pointed out that as a brand, Hermès prefers ‘evolution to revolution’ and diversifying their range of products, using the example of the  Hermès makeup range that sits alongside their famed accessories. 

Capturing the warmth and intimacy of the brand and its highly valued team, he spoke about the importance of people as the major asset of Hermès.  

They focus not only on the global but also the local view, and he spoke about social responsibility and philanthropy, and his efforts to raise more than £1.5million for local charities in the UK alone.  The Fondation D’entreprise Hermès says a great deal about the aspirations of the luxury brand to make a difference.  

The Future for Hermes

Looking to the future, Michaud spoke about the brand’s corporate social responsibility and customer experience being brought into focus. 

Alongside encouraging the Condé Nast College students to be brave and passionate about what they do, his top tips for those wanting to work in the luxury sector… 

  • Help each other
  • Be good
  • Broaden your horizons
  • Stick to your ideals
  • Never give up
  • Encourage diversity
  • Take care of your loved ones
  • Find your balance

Find out more about MA Luxury Brand Strategy & Business