Patrice Béliard (ex-Estée Lauder) becomes CEO of Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Privés

The Sprecher Berrier Group of Companies, which oversees French fragrance houses Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Privés, has appointed Patrice Béliard as CEO, effective October 1. He replaces Julien Sausset, who is stepping down after nearly a decade of major transformation and sustained growth.

Patrice Béliard brings more than twenty-five years of experience in the luxury and beauty sectors, both in France and internationally. He spent sixteen years at Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido, including five years overseeing a subsidiary on the American market from 2011 to 2016. He joined Estée Lauder in July 2016 and has overseen a portfolio that includes the fragrance houses Kilian Paris and Frédéric Malle since 2022.

“I’m honored and excited to be joining Parfums de Marly and Initio, two brands I’ve long admired. We have everything we need to write a new chapter of growth and excellence together,” said Patrice Béliard in a press release.

For Julien Sprecher, executive chairman of the group and founder of Parfums de Marly, the appointment represents strategic continuity. “Patrice Béliard’s experience in the world of luxury and niche perfumery is perfectly aligned with our ambition to establish our two houses as world leaders,” he said.

The leadership transition comes at a time of strong momentum. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, the group recorded sales of $775 million (€684 million), a 41% increase.

Parfums de Marly contributed $586 million (€517 million), with significant growth in Europe (+72%) and the Americas (+30%). Initio Parfums Privés reported a 50% increase in ex-cash sales, reaching $189 million (€167 million), supported by robust performance in the United States (+58%) and Europe (+56%).

Since joining in 2016, Julien Sausset has led a decisive expansion phase, notably marked by the entry of private equity firm Advent International into the capital of both houses in 2023.

“The time seemed right for me to hand over the reins. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved,” said Julien Sausset.

This transition underscores the group’s commitment to consolidating its position in the rapidly growing niche perfumery market, where Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Privés are now among the most recognized global players.