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PARIS — Balenciaga has promoted Nathalie Raynaud, a key architect of its recent handbag successes, to deputy chief executive officer, bolstering its executive ranks as it prepares to name a new creative director.
Raynaud, who joined the brand in 2021 and most recently served as chief product officer, takes on the new role effective immediately and reports to CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli, Balenciaga said in a statement shared first with WWD. She succeeds Laura du Rusquec, who left last year to become CEO of Ganni.
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Raynaud, who has held merchandising, development and retail roles at brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton and Lanvin, was instrumental in driving accessories at Balenciaga under artistic director Demna, who is set to wrap his tenure at the house with an haute couture show on July 9 before moving to fellow Kering-owned label Gucci.
She oversaw the rollout of the Cagole, Rodeo and Bel Air bag launches, as well as the relaunch of Le City. Accessories have proved a bright spot for Balenciaga amid an otherwise challenging luxury landscape.
“In her new role, Nathalie Raynaud’s mission will be to continue bringing a strategic, creative and product-driven vision that aligns with the house’s objectives to drive sales growth, influence and strengthen market position,” the brand said.
Contacted by WWD, Gianangeli said the appointment would help lay the ground for the next chapter.
“Nathalie has played a key role in shaping our product strategy, establishing our current success in the leather goods category, bringing clarity and direction to an essential part of our business. Her appointment strengthens our strategic focus, especially in the architecture of our collections and product offer and ensures we’re ready to support the vision of our new creative director,” he said.
“At Balenciaga, where culture, community and collaboration are at the heart of what we do, it’s essential that we move forward with coherence and purpose — and Nathalie’s leadership will be central to that,” Gianangeli added.
Meanwhile, Demna paid tribute to Raynaud’s contributions to the brand’s growth. “Working with Nathalie over the past four years has been an incredible partnership. Her precision and dedication to Balenciaga has helped drive our success,” he told WWD via email.
“I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to building on Balenciaga’s success across all products and departments,” Raynaud said.