PARIS — Children’s wear brand Petit Bateau is aiming to widen its international footprint with the appointment of Christian Blanckaert, former director of international affairs at French luxury goods house Hermès, as non-executive chairman.
Blanckaert, 64, will join the company Sept. 1, after his retirement from Hermès becomes effective on Aug. 31.
He will bring a strong international experience in retail and luxury goods, having spent 14 years at Hermès at a senior executive level, and will closely with Philippe Berlan, Petit Bateau’s chief executive.
At Hermès, Blanckaert will be succeeded by Beatriz Cristobal-Gonzalez, who holds the post of commercial director.
Founded in 1893, Petit Bateau is now part of French beauty company Yves Rocher, with a turnover of 265 million euros, or $379 million at constant exchange rates, in 2008 from its 236 boutiques, 112 concessions and 25 outlet stores. Around 40 percent of revenues derive from its international operations.