The Douglas group is said to have appointed Jean-Marc Bellaiche as chief executive, effective November 1, 2026, according to Premium Beauty News. His appointment is said to have been approved for a four-year term by the German group's supervisory board.
The 56-year-old French executive would succeed Sander van der Laan, who would be retiring after a 36-year career in retail, including four at the head of the European premium beauty retailer. Mr Van der Laan had joined Douglas in October 2022 and is said to have steered the company's return to the stock market in 2024. He is said to have notably overseen the company's transformation, the adaptation of its category and exclusive brand strategies, as well as the transformation of its store network, supply chain and digital platforms.
« Ce changement important à la tête de l'entreprise a été préparé avec beaucoup de soin et de réflexion », Henning Kreke, chairman of the supervisory board of Douglas AG, is said to have stated.
A career spanning luxury, retail and tech
Jean-Marc Bellaiche is said to have begun his career at Boston Consulting Group in 1993, where he would have become managing director and global head of the Luxe, Mode and Beauté sector. In 2014, he is said to have joined Tiffany & Co. as senior vice president and a member of the executive committee, before holding senior roles in tech at Contentsquare and Arianee. He would then have taken the helm of the luxury hospitality group Sani/Ikos.
After spending ten years in the États-Unis, Mr Bellaiche would have returned to Europe in 2020 to take charge of the Printemps group. Over his five years at the head of the French department-store operator, he is said, according to the Douglas group, to have grown its international and omnichannel operations and improved operating profitability.
Douglas operates in 22 European countries, with around 1,970 physical stores and online sales platforms under the Douglas, Nocibé, Parfumdreams and Niche Beauty brands. The transition at the head of the group would take effect from November 1.
