About Thierry Guibert
Thierry Guibert, Group Chief Executive Officer of Maus Frères SA and former CEO of Lacoste and Conforama, has discussed the strategic turnaround of Lacoste following its acquisition by Maus Frères. In a 2022 interview, Guibert said that the brand had cut licenses in footwear, leather goods, and underwear to regain control over distribution and products, a move he described as necessary to make the brand desirable. He noted that Lacoste's revenue had recovered to €2 billion after a 10% decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, and stated a target of reaching €4 billion within five to six years. Guibert also mentioned that Maus Frères' family ownership provides long-term flexibility and no debt.
In earlier appearances, Guibert commented on Conforama's performance and the broader retail market. In 2013, he stated that Sunday sales accounted for 23% of Conforama's revenue and expressed concern about potential changes to Sunday trading regulations. In 2014, he called for a strong reduction in fiscal policy to boost consumer confidence and spending, particularly among lower- and middle-income households. Regarding Conforama's parent company Steinhoff, Guibert said in 2013 that a potential IPO of its European operations was being considered within 12 to 18 months, contingent on market conditions.
Source: AI-verified profile updated from Thierry Guibert's recent appearances.
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Transcript (11 segments)
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Interviewer0:40
Ouais, Thierry Guibert, you are live with Des Haches et Y Vit and Challenge magazine. You are a regular, you know Morocco, it's not your first time. What's your impression?
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Thierry Guibert0:54
Well, it's always a pleasure to come to this country. I like the colors of Morocco, the lively life. I feel a bit at home here. Lacoste has a strong presence in Morocco—it's our first country in Africa. The brand's recognition is very important here. It has developed through the youth, especially Moroccan youth. I'm very proud of that. We've grown through sportswear, and now Moroccans follow us in our more design-oriented clothing. It's a brand of the south, of polo, of sun, of the Mediterranean, so it's at home in Morocco.
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Interviewer2:13
And what are the future prospects for Lacoste in Morocco? What are your upcoming projects?
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Thierry Guibert2:18
Today we have a distributor in Morocco with whom we work well. The next step is that Morocco is structuring itself with many shopping centers of good quality. We need to accelerate with boutiques and open more dynamic stores. But we already have a beautiful presence. We must continue to love Morocco as Lacoste loves it. We are a popular brand first—I never deny that. We want good product quality, which is not incompatible with being popular. I think we have good years ahead.
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Interviewer3:15
We started by talking about Morocco like that. How do you view Morocco today, you who have experienced it for several years? How do you see the future of this country?
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Thierry Guibert3:28
It's a country I have always found promising. Maybe the promises of 10–15 years haven't materialized as fast as expected, but there is strong economic development. Today it has relative political stability, which gives it big assets. There is a large middle class and many young people. It is westernizing in the good sense. I think it is one of the most promising countries in Africa. If it maintains stability and manages this young middle class taking power, there are real perspectives. I believe a lot in people, youth, and energy. Morocco has all that. I am rather positive.
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Interviewer4:52
And in Marrakech for the Golf and Tennis Month, your association with Club Med?
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Thierry Guibert4:56
I am a child of Club Med. I love sports. When I was younger, I would ask to go to Club Med for a week rather than three weeks of vacation because I loved it. When I became president of Lacoste, I thought about these two brands with similar values of commitment, humility, and sport. They are French brands. So I approached Henri Giscard d'Estaing, the head of Club Med, and said we have two brands with similar paths—why not associate? Club Med clients would be happy to find Lacoste products, and Lacoste clients would be happy to be solicited by Club Med for good times around sports. It happened simply.
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Interviewer6:23
And how have you experienced Marrakech over the past ten years?
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Thierry Guibert6:27
For me, Marrakech is first the Jemaa el-Fna square, because I went there as a child and always felt good. It has life, smells, colors. Then I discovered the more peripheral Marrakech with all the new developments. More recently, I discovered a more western side, known for its nightlife and global buzz. There is a bit of everything: historic side with the souk, idyllic vacation weather, and the Moroccan welcome. I have never been disappointed here; I always feel very well received and have made many friends. I feel good here.
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Interviewer7:45
Thank you very much, Thierry Guibert, for this interview. In Marrakech, see you at the Golf and Tennis Month. Thank you, thank you.
