Bernard Arnault's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Bernard Arnault.

Bernard Arnault is a French businessman who serves as the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods company. As of December 2025, he is one of the wealthiest people globally, with a net worth estimated at around US$190-203 billion. His leadership has propelled LVMH to the forefront of the luxury market, encompassing a diverse portfolio of prestigious brands.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1987: Company Profitable Again

By 1987, after acquiring Boussac Saint-Frères and restructuring its assets, the company became profitable again, booking earnings of $112 million on revenue of $1.9 billion.

April 1999: Arnault considered richest person in fashion, Pilinvest established

In April 1999, Bernard Arnault was considered the richest person in fashion, surpassing Amancio Ortega of Zara. Also in 1999, he established Pilinvest, a holding company based in Belgium.

September 2001: Settlement in Gucci fight

In September 2001, the legal fight with Gucci ended in a settlement, and LVMH sold its shares, making a $700 million profit.

2017: Record sales in 2017

In 2017, Bernard Arnault had led the company to record sales of €42.6 billion, 13% over the previous year, as all divisions turned in strong performances. That same year, the net profit increased by 29%.

July 2019: Arnault becomes second-richest man in the world

In July 2019, Bernard Arnault became the second-richest man in the world, with a net worth of $103 billion.

December 2019: Arnault briefly surpasses Bezos as richest person

In December 2019, Bernard Arnault briefly surpassed Jeff Bezos to become the richest person in the world.

January 2020: Arnault briefly surpasses Bezos as richest person again

In January 2020, Bernard Arnault again briefly surpassed Jeff Bezos to become the richest person in the world.

October 2020: Agreement to the original takeover plan

In late October 2020, Tiffany and LVMH agreed to the original takeover plan, though at a slightly reduced price of nearly $16 billion.

January 2021: Completed the purchase of Tiffany

In January 2021, LVMH completed the purchase of Tiffany.

May 2021: Largest company in the eurozone

As of May 2021, under Bernard Arnault's leadership, LVMH has grown to become the largest company by market capitalization in the eurozone, with a record of 313 billion euros ($382 billion).

August 2021: Arnault regains title of wealthiest man

On 5 August 2021, Bernard Arnault regained the status of the wealthiest man in the world, with his net worth climbing to $198.4 billion due to surging sales of LVMH's luxury goods in China and other parts of Asia.

April 2023: Arnault becomes richest person in the world

In April 2023, Bernard Arnault and his family had an estimated peak net worth of US$240.7 billion, making him the richest person in the world at the time, surpassing Elon Musk.