LVMH and SKEMA: Pioneering Luxury Education in Dubai

LVMH, the luxury goods conglomerate known for its prestigious brands, is making strides in shaping the future of luxury retail by partnering with SKEMA Business School to establish a new educational track in Dubai. This collaboration underscores the growing significance of Dubai as a global hub for luxury, catering to the evolving needs of the industry and its future leaders.

Elevating Education in Luxury

The partnership between LVMH and SKEMA focuses on developing a unique qualification in Retail Excellence & Client Relationship Management. This initiative not only highlights Dubai’s aspiration to enhance its reputation in higher education but also reinforces its position within the major international luxury landscape. As the luxury market in the United Arab Emirates is projected to hit an impressive $5.39 billion by 2029, with Dubai contributing 30% to the region’s luxury market revenue, the timing couldn’t be better.

Current Offerings and Future Expansion

In addition to the newly announced program, SKEMA has been active in luxury education since 2021, offering a Luxury Digital Marketing & Strategy program in collaboration with the New York University School of Professional Studies. This program allows students to experience educational excellence across diverse environments, starting in New York and culminating in Paris. The new course in Dubai is set to build upon this foundation, offering a tailored experience focused on retail excellence.

A Commitment to Talent Development

Pierre-Julien Bousquet, LVMH’s group global VP of people engagement, expresses the company’s dedication to nurturing talent in the luxury sector. He emphasizes that with SKEMA, LVMH is reaffirming its commitment to shaping the future of luxury retail through specialized training programs that align with the industry’s evolving dynamics. This strategic approach intends to cultivate the next generation of luxury professionals who can adeptly navigate the complexities of the retail landscape.

Course Details and Student Experience

Launching this fall, the Retail Excellence & Client Relationship Management course will be delivered entirely in English, catering to an international student body. LVMH will take an active role in shaping the curriculum, leading lectures and masterclasses on a variety of essential topics, including e-commerce, sales performance, and client experience.

Students will also have the opportunity to attend roundtables and talks, and participate in visits to LVMH’s flagship stores in Dubai. This hands-on experience is further enriched by a dedicated academic curriculum and an internship lasting four to eight months, providing students with firsthand immersion in the luxury industry.

Addressing Industry Needs

Alice Guilhon, dean and executive president of SKEMA, along with Emmanuelle Rigaud, director of the MSc in Global Luxury and Management program, highlights the innovative nature of this program. Their goal is to cultivate true experts in client relationship management and retail—areas that are increasingly in demand as the luxury market continues to evolve. With a focus on strategic challenges facing the industry, the program equips students with essential skills to excel in this competitive field.

Trends in Regional Luxury Education

The collaboration between LVMH and SKEMA is not an isolated initiative. In 2022, the Saudi Fashion Commission partnered with the prestigious IFM to develop specialized training programs in luxury management. These efforts reflect a broader trend within the Gulf region to enhance educational opportunities in luxury, making it essential for future professionals to be well-trained and prepared to meet the demands of this dynamic market.

SKEMA’s Global Influence

At the heart of this partnership is SKEMA Business School, a global educational institution with a diverse student body of 11,000 students from over 130 nationalities. With 190 professors and a vast alumni network spanning 145 countries, SKEMA is committed to transforming the educational landscape and fostering talent that aligns with sustainable global development.

This strategic alliance between LVMH and SKEMA stands as a beacon of excellence in luxury education, paving the way for future leaders to thrive in one of the most exciting and evolving industries in the world.