The DOUGLAS Group, Europe's leading premium beauty retailer, will undergo a significant leadership transition as Jean-Marc Bellaiche takes over as Chief Executive Officer on November 1, 2026. He succeeds Sander van der Laan, who is retiring after a 36-year career in international retail, including four years at the helm of the Dusseldorf-based company. The Supervisory Board of Douglas AG appointed Bellaiche for a four-year term, a move that underscores the company's commitment to sustained growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving beauty industry.
Dr. Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized that the change was carefully planned to ensure a smooth transition. "This important change in the leadership at the top of the company has been prepared very thoughtfully and carefully," he said. Kreke praised van der Laan as an outstanding leader who played a pivotal role in the Group's successful development, while expressing confidence that Bellaiche's extensive experience in international retail and luxury will build on that progress. As reported by NEWMEDIAWIRE, the appointment highlights the company's focus on customer-centricity, beauty brand partnerships, and operational excellence.
Bellaiche, a 56-year-old Frenchman, brings a wealth of experience from senior roles at Boston Consulting Group, Tiffany & Co., and technology firms Contentsquare and Arianee. Most recently, he served as CEO of Printemps Group, where he strengthened the iconic French department store chain's distinctiveness and accelerated its omnichannel development. His appointment signals continuity in DOUGLAS's omnichannel strategy, which is central to its "Let it Bloom" initiative. "I am particularly excited to join the Group at such an important moment in the evolution of the beauty industry," Bellaiche said. "The DOUGLAS Group plays a leading role in the European premium beauty market and has a manifold of unique assets."
Van der Laan's tenure saw significant achievements, including a new category and exclusive-brands strategy, a comprehensive store-network overhaul, supply chain reorganization, and the company's 2024 stock exchange listing. His decision to retire, he said, was not easy but timely: "This is the right moment to hand over the reins to someone who can bring fresh thinking and new ideas." Under his leadership, DOUGLAS also implemented a comprehensive ESG strategy and introduced the purpose 'Make life more beautiful.'
The leadership change comes as DOUGLAS Group continues to dominate the European premium beauty market with around 1,970 stores and a strong online presence. In the financial year 2024/2025, the company generated sales of 4.58 billion euros and employed more than 19,900 people across Europe. Bellaiche's mandate will be to further drive digital transformation and maintain the Group's competitive edge. For more information, visit the DOUGLAS Group Website.
This transition matters because it positions DOUGLAS to navigate a rapidly changing retail landscape, where customer expectations and digital innovation are paramount. Bellaiche's track record in luxury and technology could accelerate the Group's omnichannel capabilities and strengthen its brand partnerships, ensuring it remains the partner of choice for beauty brands. As the company moves into its next phase, the appointment signals stability and a forward-looking approach that could set new benchmarks in the premium beauty sector.
