Early Life
Gérard Paul Philippe Wertheimer was born on April 17, 1951, in Paris, France, into a Jewish family. His father, Jacques Wertheimer, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Eliane Fischer. His grandfather, Pierre Wertheimer, co-founded Chanel with Coco Chanel in 1924.
Rise to Success
Gérard Wertheimer, along with his brother Alain, inherited Chanel from their father, Jacques Wertheimer, in 1996. While Alain serves as the chairman, Gérard oversees the watch division, and lives in Switzerland. Together, the brothers have expanded Chanel's global presence, diversified investments, and emphasized sustainability and philanthropy.
Key Business Strategies
Gérard's leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Chanel's position in the watch and jewelry market, with the J12 watch being a key milestone in 1999. He has focused on maintaining Chanel's exclusivity while adapting to contemporary trends. He has also overseen the expansion of Chanel's product lines, including successful ventures into fragrance, cosmetics, and accessories. His business acumen has helped Chanel generate over $15 billion in annual revenue in 2025.
Philanthropy
Gérard Wertheimer's wife, Valérie, is actively involved in child protection charities. The Wertheimer family fortune is managed by their family office, Mousse Partners.