VICE SQUAD: Louis Vuitton has promoted two seasoned executives in its image and communications department, WWD has learned.
According to sources, Bianca Manley has been named vice president, women’s communications, and Cécile Durieux has been appointed vice president, men’s and corporate communications.
Both women start their new roles officially on May 1 and report to Blake Harrop, the Wieden + Kennedy executive who is joining Vuitton the same day as executive vice president, image and communications.
Harrop succeeds Stefano Cantino, who is exiting Vuitton after six years to become deputy chief executive officer at Gucci, as reported.
Currently Vuitton’s communications director for the U.K., Ireland and South Africa, Manley will oversee press relations for women’s categories, perfume, watches and jewelry.
Manley has 15 years of experience in the luxury sector. Prior to joining Vuitton five years ago, she worked at Chanel and Giorgio Armani.
Durieux, who has logged 15 years in Vuitton’s communications and events department, was named corporate communications director last year, also leading the development of partnerships.
In her new role, she will manage press relations for men’s categories while continuing to lead the corporate press and partnerships teams.
It is understood the promotions were revealed internally on Thursday.
The appointments are key ones given its outsize scale as the largest luxury fashion brand, renowned for its extravagant fashion shows by Nicolas Ghesquière and Pharrell Williams, roving exhibitions, bold retail projects — and mighty media budgets.
Pietro Beccari, chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, has a reputation for bold gestures and audacious events, frequently telling his teams, “Don’t think big — think huge!”
