The DOUGLAS Group, Europe's leading premium beauty retailer, will see a change at the top of its leadership. Jean-Marc Bellaiche will become the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on 1 November 2026, succeeding Sander van der Laan, who is retiring after a 36-year career in international retail, including four years with the company. The Supervisory Board of Douglas AG appointed Bellaiche for a four-year term, a decision that underscores the company's commitment to a smooth transition and sustained focus on customer-centricity, brand partnerships, and operational excellence.
Dr. Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized that the change has been carefully prepared. He expressed regret over van der Laan's decision to retire but noted full respect for his choice after a long and successful career. Kreke praised van der Laan as an outstanding leader who played a pivotal role in the Group's development. At the same time, he welcomed Bellaiche, citing his extensive experience in international retail and luxury, with a strong track record across beauty, premium department stores, digital transformation, brand building, and strategy. Kreke expressed confidence that Bellaiche will build on the progress already made and put even more focus on customer-centricity, beauty brand partnerships, and operational excellence. This appointment matters because it ensures leadership continuity while injecting new perspectives at a time of rapid evolution in the beauty industry.
Bellaiche, a 56-year-old Frenchman, brings a wealth of experience. He began his career at Boston Consulting Group in 1993, eventually becoming Managing Director and Global Leader of the Luxury, Fashion and Beauty sector. In 2014, he joined Tiffany & Co. as Senior Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee. He later held senior leadership and board positions at technology companies Contentsquare and Arianee. After a decade in the United States, he returned to Europe in 2020 to become CEO of Printemps Group, where he strengthened the department store chain's distinctiveness and customer-centricity, introduced more exclusivities, accelerated international and omnichannel development, and improved operating profitability. Most recently, he served as CEO of luxury resort operator Sani/Ikos Group. His diverse background positions him well to lead the DOUGLAS Group through its next phase of development.
Van der Laan reflected on his tenure with gratitude, noting the progress made with around 20,000 colleagues. He said the decision to step down was not easy but felt the time was right after a 36-year career that included senior roles at respected retailers in Europe and the United States. He expressed confidence in handing over to someone who can bring fresh thinking and new ideas. During his time at DOUGLAS, van der Laan drove the transformation into a true omnichannel business, implementing significant strategic, operational, and structural improvements. Key achievements include a new category and exclusive-brands strategy, a comprehensive update of the store-format and network strategy, a reorganization of the supply chain, further development of digital platforms, an ESG strategy, and the company's stock exchange listing in 2024. He also introduced the purpose 'Make life more beautiful' and fostered corporate culture development.
Bellaiche expressed excitement about joining the Group at an important moment in the beauty industry's evolution. He highlighted the DOUGLAS Group's leading role in the European premium beauty market and its unique assets, including an outstanding omnichannel footprint, a large base of loyal customers, and an attractive assortment based on close relationships with beauty brands. He looks forward to building on these strengths with the management team and colleagues across 22 European countries, while driving the innovations and changes needed to succeed in a rapidly changing market environment. For further information, visit the DOUGLAS Group Website, and the original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
