Paris, October 19, 2024 –Desfilis has assisted Motier, the holding company of the Moulin Family, in
implementing its new governance structure, marking a key milestone in the entrepreneurial history
of this prominent family, owners of Galeries Lafayette.
Motier serves as the parent company overseeing all the Moulin family's assets, notably owning 100%
of the Galeries Lafayette group. In addition, Motier is the owner of La Redoute and holds a significant
stake in Carrefour.
Driven by Mrs. Ginette Moulin, who has been the President of Motier since 2005 and a central figure
in the Moulin family’s legacy with Galeries Lafayette, and who has decided to step down from her
duties to pass leadership on to the fifth generation, several strategic appointments have been made
to strengthen the family’s leadership.
Following this transition, Philippe Houzé, Chairman of the Executive Board of Galeries Lafayette since
2005, has been appointed Chairman of Motier. His mission will be to oversee the development of the
Moulin family’s assets, which include Galeries Lafayette, La Redoute, and a major stake in Carrefour,
supported by three Vice-Chairmen: Nicolas Houzé, Guillaume Houzé, and Arthur Lemoine. Augustin
Belloy will serve as Secretary General.
In addition, the Supervisory Board, chaired by Patricia Moulin Lemoine, has appointed Nicolas Houzé
as Chairman of the Executive Board of Galeries Lafayette. He will be responsible for defining and
implementing the group's strategic vision, working alongside an Executive Board composed of
Guillaume Houzé, Arthur Lemoine, and Ugo Supino, with the goal of continuing and accelerating the
transformation begun in recent years.
This evolution is part of a gradual transition process, aimed at strengthening governance and
ensuring the sustainability of the family business for future generations.
For many years, DESFILIS has supported the Galeries Lafayette group with governance matters. With
its expertise developed alongside major family-owned groups, the firm has developed a specific
methodology centered on building the "affectio familiae," a key to family cohesion around a shared
entrepreneurial vision. The shared values, which form the foundation of the longevity of the family
shareholding, guide the implementation of a customized governance framework that ensures a
harmonious transfer to future generations.
Thanks to this expertise, DESFILIS is committed to crafting governance rules tailored to each situation
while maintaining an effective and lasting balance between shareholders and managers. This
approach is at the heart of the support we have provided, and will continue to provide, to the
Galeries Lafayette group.
For this operation, the DESFILIS team was led by partners Nathalie Hollier-Cheynet and José Desfilis.
About Desfilis
Desfilis is an independent French business law firm, founded in 1920 by the former legal head of the Renault
group, and has historically maintained close ties with family-owned businesses. Desfilis advises both publicly
and privately held companies, investment funds, family-owned groups, entrepreneurs, and executives, offering
support in key areas of business law: mergers and acquisitions, private equity, tax law, labor law, restructuring,
and business litigation.
For more information, please visit our website: www.desfilisavocats.com. Communication & marketing contacts :
Sophie Bacqueville – sophie@blue-wall.com / 06 73 18 64 49
Clémence Gourragne – clemence@blue-wall.com / 06 32 07 61 20
presse release - Desfilis assists Motier in the evolution and implementation of its new governance structure