From her early experiences in B2B sales to her current role as Chief Operating Officer for Europe and the Americas, Sandrine has evolved over the years with a strategic approach that combines innovation and respect for the heritage of the house.
This exclusive interview invites you to discover her journey and the values that have made her a key figure in the world of gastronomic luxury.
Hello Sandrine! From your early experiences to today, you’ve navigated a career rich in challenges and successes. How have these stages helped shape your vision of luxury and excellence?
My career has been marked by challenges and successes that have allowed me to develop a clear vision of luxury and excellence. Every experience, whether positive or negative, has taught me the importance of attention to detail, constant innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. These milestones have also taught me that luxury is not only about high-quality products but also about offering an exceptional customer experience and telling an authentic story.
Before joining Fauchon Paris, what aspect of your career helped you understand the importance of customer experience and brand image - two key elements in the luxury sector?
Before joining Fauchon Paris, I worked at several prestigious companies (jewelry, leather goods) where I saw firsthand the impact of customer experience and brand image on a company’s success. I learned that every interaction with a client is an opportunity to reinforce the brand and build lasting loyalty. This understanding proved invaluable at Fauchon, where the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy.
Over the years, how has your vision of management evolved and impacted the company’s overall strategy?
My vision of management has evolved to become more collaborative and human-centered. I’ve come to realize that to achieve our objectives, it is essential to motivate, coach, inspire, and help our teams grow. This approach has helped create a positive and dynamic work environment, directly contributing to our growth by fostering creativity, communication, and engagement among each member of my team.
As the Chief Operating Officer for Europe and the Americas at Fauchon Paris, you’ve taken the brand international. What were the challenges of adapting this Parisian institution to diverse markets while preserving its soul and prestige?
Adapting Fauchon to international markets has been an exciting challenge. It requires understanding and respecting local cultures while preserving the soul and prestige of our Parisian house. We’ve worked on strategies for adapting and "tropicalizing" our offerings (products, menus, collaborations with local artists) while maintaining our high standards of quality and innovation. The key challenge has been finding the balance between adaptation and staying true to our brand identity and culture.
In your opinion, what distinguishes your strategy for entering international markets while staying faithful to the essence of Parisian luxury?
What sets our strategy apart is our ability to remain authentic while being flexible. We are committed to preserving the essence of Parisian luxury, with its values of quality, innovation, and tradition, while adapting our offerings to the specificities of each market. This approach has allowed us to expand internationally for over 50 years, adapting to our clients' cultures while providing them with a unique experience that remains true to the spirit of Fauchon.
After nearly 20 years at Fauchon Paris, what achievement are you most proud of in your career?
I am especially proud of contributing to Fauchon’s international expansion, particularly our growth in the American continent. Seeing our brand spread and gain recognition worldwide is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, I’m proud to have built a team that is deeply committed and focused on results and customer satisfaction.
To wrap up on a more personal note, if you were...
- A destination: I would be Paris, a city that embodies luxury, elegance, and culture - values that resonate with my journey at Fauchon and that I strive to promote worldwide throughout my professional career.
- A flavor: I would be salty, essential and versatile, able to enhance and elevate other flavors.
- A dish: I would be a cheese platter, varied and refined, symbolizing the diversity and excellence of our terroir.
- A quote: I would choose, "Luxury is a matter of quality and perseverance. It’s not just about creating something beautiful, but doing it with unwavering consistency and determination." - Ralph Lauren
