Ginette Moulin, the influential matriarch of the Galeries Lafayette Group, passed away at 98, leaving behind a significant legacy in business and the arts. As a descendant of the store’s co-founder, she oversaw a transition of leadership to her son-in-law, Philippe Houzé. The group, which operates 57 stores, aims to rebound from pandemic-related challenges, targeting 3.85 billion euros in revenue by 2024. Moulin was also celebrated for her contributions to the arts through the Lafayette Anticipations foundation.
Remembering Ginette Moulin: A Legacy of Leadership
Ginette Moulin, the dynamic matriarch of the Galeries Lafayette Group, passed away on Sunday at the remarkable age of 98. Her contributions to the business world and the arts were celebrated by the group in a statement to AFP on Tuesday.
As the granddaughter of Théophile Bader, co-founder of the iconic department store established in 1894, Ginette was deeply rooted in the history of Galeries Lafayette. According to the 2024 Challenges magazine ranking, she and her family were recognized as the 34th wealthiest individuals in France, boasting a fortune of 4.05 billion euros.
A New Era for Galeries Lafayette
In August 2024, Ginette Moulin transitioned leadership of the family holding company Motier to her son-in-law, Philippe Houzé, supported by her grandchildren Nicolas Houzé, Guillaume Houzé, and Arthur Lemoine. This shift was described by the company as a well-prepared evolution, marking a new chapter in the family’s stewardship of the brand.
Throughout her life, Ginette Moulin witnessed the evolution of Galeries Lafayette through five generations of leadership. Born on February 7, 1927, she was the daughter of Max Heilbronn, a resistance fighter who faced deportation during World War II. Her legacy is not only defined by her business acumen but also her deep connections to family history.
Currently, the Galeries Lafayette Group operates 57 stores across France. Despite challenges, including the decision to close two stores in Marseille by the end of 2025 due to ongoing losses, the company remains committed to supporting its employees during these transitions.
Philippe Houzé, who has been at the helm of Galeries Lafayette since 2005, now assumes the presidency of Motier. His responsibilities include overseeing the family’s diverse assets, which encompass Galeries Lafayette, La Redoute, and a substantial stake in Carrefour. Carrefour’s CEO, Alexandre Bompard, lauded Ginette as an ‘exceptional woman’ who consistently supported the retailer as a shareholder.
As the family navigates the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted its operations, the new governance structure is poised to lead Galeries Lafayette into a promising future. The family aims to recover its pre-pandemic sales figures by 2024, with a target of 3.85 billion euros in revenue.
The Centre Pompidou museum honored Ginette Moulin, recognizing her as a ‘great patron’ of the arts and her vital role in supporting various projects that enriched public culture through the Lafayette Anticipations corporate foundation.