Meet Francois Pinault, the French billionaire who has a $1.2 billion art collection, owns Christie's, and founded Kering, the luxury giant behind Gucci and Balenciaga
François Pinault is one of the most powerful men in the fashion industry.
According to Bloomberg, he is the 23rd-richest person in the world with a net worth of $34.3 billion ...
Source: Bloomberg
The richest man in France is Bernard Arnault, who controls LVMH, the world's largest luxury group.
Source: Forbes, The Guardian, New York Times
Over the years, Pinault's successful career has included many calculated business moves and key partnerships. However, some of his most important decisions were made early on in France, where his company originated. Pinault was born in Les Champs-Géraux, a commune in Brittany, France.
Source: Google Maps, Britannica
In 1963, Pinault founded Établissements Pinault, a timber trading company, in Rennes, France. Pinault also briefly attended College Saint-Martin in Rennes, but left school at age 16.
Source: Kering, The Guardian, Bloomberg
In 1988, the company first appeared on the Paris Stock Exchange and two years later, in 1990, the company took on retail distribution.
Source: Kering
In 1994, the company became Pinault Printemps Redoute after acquiring La Redoute, a French mail-order retailer, and Le Printemps, a major French department store chain.
Source: Kering
After several years in retail, the company began shifting its focus to luxury in 1994 after purchasing a 42% stake in the Gucci Group.
Source: Kering
The acquisition of Gucci followed a nearly two-and-a-half-year battle with fellow billionaire Bernard Arnault. The New York Times previously labeled the legal war "one of the most bitter fights in corporate history."
Source: New York Times
In 2005, Pinault Printemps Redoute shortened its name to PPR. Pinault has three children; his son, François-Henri Pinault, was named the company's new face and CEO.
Source: Kering
Under his son's direction, the company continued to acquire brands, with a special interest in luxury fashion houses ...
Source: Kering
The new Kering company sold its remaining shares of PUMA last year, thus completing Pinault's final transformation to a luxury-only group.
Source: New York Times, CNBC
Pinault's son is an active member of the fashion community, regularly attending fashion shows ...
Source: Kering
... along with Francois-Henri's son from a previous marriage, also named François Pinault.
Source: Reuters
Pinault and his son and daughter-in-law are sometimes seen at soccer games. Pinault currently owns Stade Rennais soccer club, based in Brittany near his hometown.
Source: Reuters
Along with his professional sports endeavors, Pinault currently owns the Château Latour vineyard ...
Source: New York Times, Variety
... and owns the iconic Christie's auction house through Groupe Artémis, his holding company, otherwise known as Artemis, S.A.
Source: Britannica, The Guardian
Originally founded in 1766 by James Christie, the luxury auction giant has locations in London, New York, Paris, and other major cities. In 2017, Christie's sales totaled $6.6 billion.
Source: Christie's
On top of his involvement with Christie's, Pinault is regarded as one of the biggest private art collectors in the world ...
Source: Business Insider
Pinault has come to collect historic pieces, along with more contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol.
Source: Reuters
... and can be found on the Venice canals, arriving at gallery openings and special events by boat.
Source: Reuters
Most recently, the Pinault family made headlines for their announcement of a contemporary art gallery supplied by their Pinault Foundation at the historic Bourse du Commerce in Paris.
Source: Reuters, The Guardian, New York Times
Pinault is supplying the $55 million dollars for renovations, which will be headed by Tadao Ando, along with his impressive collection, which includes over 3,000 works of art.
Source: Reuters, New York Times
Along with his circle of high-profile artists, Pinault is close friends with former French president Jacques Chirac. The Guardian previously reported that Pinault was one of the few people to have the president's personal phone number.
Source: The Guardian, Reuters
The couple recently entered the luxury cruise and yacht business, purchasing the cruise line Ponant on Maryvonne's suggestion.
Source: Bloomberg
The Pinaults own multiple houses, such as a mansion in London ...
Source: Business Insider, The Telegraph
... and in 2013, he purchased a Bel Air home from late celebrity hairstylist Vidal Sassoon.
Source: Business Insider, Wall Street Journal
Though Pinault is 82 years old, he still serves as director of Artemis S.A., a chairman of Christie's, and honorary chairman of his Kering giant.
Source: Bloomberg
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