Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Boucheron, talks about her dream job, muse and business
Poulit-Duquesne chats about play and work – the artist in her and the secrets behind Boucheron
The latest instalment in our On Work / On Play series with luxury CEOs. This month: Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Boucheron
Work experience
2015-present: CEO of Boucheron
2014-2015: International business and client development director of Cartier International
2010-2014: International marketing director and member of the executive committee of Cartier International
1998-2010: Joined Cartier International, responsible for marketing and business development in the watchmaking sector
I think half of my brain is totally artistic, and the other half, business. That’s why I need to work with a brand like Boucheron.
On Play
Q. Who inspires you?
A. In my professional life, it’s Frédéric Boucheron. On a personal level, [the late] Simone Veil was a famous French politician. Her story is incredible. She was a survivor of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and she kept on fighting for Europe and women’s rights. She has had a fighting spirit since her childhood, being in the concentration camp at five years old. Her story is very French and very inspiring.
Q. If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?
A. I think I might be raising horses. I also think I might be an artist. My family decided that I should go to business school. I have a traditional French family. I think half of my brain is totally artistic, and the other half, business. That’s why I need to work with a brand like Boucheron. This job has given me opportunities to develop both my business and artistic sides.