The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s leading premium beauty retailer, will undergo a leadership change at the top. The Supervisory Board of Douglas AG has appointed Jean-Marc Bellaiche as Chief Executive Officer effective November 1, 2026, for a four-year term. He succeeds Sander van der Laan, who has decided to retire after a 36-year career in international retail, including four years with the DOUGLAS Group. The announcement was made via NEWMEDIAWIRE.
Dr. Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized the careful planning behind the transition. “This important change in the leadership at the top of the company has been prepared very thoughtfully and carefully, ensuring a smooth and professional transition,” he said. Kreke expressed regret over van der Laan’s decision while respecting his choice, and praised his achievements. “With his departure, the DOUGLAS Group loses an outstanding leader and highly experienced retail executive who has played a pivotal role in the successful development of the Group.”
Jean-Marc Bellaiche, a 56-year-old Frenchman, brings extensive experience in international retail and luxury. He began his career at Boston Consulting Group in 1993, eventually becoming Managing Director and Global Leader of the Luxury, Fashion and Beauty sector. In 2014, he joined Tiffany & Co. as Senior Vice President and member of the Executive Committee. He later held senior roles at technology companies Contentsquare and Arianee, and served as CEO of Printemps Group from 2020 to 2025, where he strengthened customer-centricity and accelerated omnichannel development. Most recently, he was CEO of luxury resort operator Sani/Ikos Group. “I am particularly excited to join the Group at such an important moment in the evolution of the beauty industry,” Bellaiche said. “The DOUGLAS Group plays a leading role in the European premium beauty market and has a manifold of unique assets, including an outstanding omnichannel footprint, a large base of loyal customers, and an attractive assortment based on close relationships with beauty brands.”
Sander van der Laan joined the DOUGLAS Group in October 2022 and drove its transformation into a true omnichannel business. Key achievements include a new category and exclusive-brands strategy, a comprehensive store-format and network update, supply chain reorganization, digital platform development, and an ESG strategy. In 2024, he led the company’s stock exchange listing. “I am incredibly grateful for my time at the DOUGLAS Group,” van der Laan said. “The decision to step down was not an easy one for me. But after a 36-year career, including senior leadership roles at highly respected retail companies in Europe and the United States, I feel that the time is right to retire from executive management.”
The DOUGLAS Group operates commercial brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBE, Parfumdreams, and Niche Beauty, with around 1,970 stores and online presence across 22 European countries. In the financial year 2024/2025, it generated sales of 4.58 billion euros and employed more than 19,900 people. The company is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. For more details, visit the DOUGLAS Group Website.
This leadership transition matters for the broader beauty retail industry. Bellaiche’s appointment signals a continued focus on customer-centricity, beauty brand partnerships, and operational excellence. His background in luxury and digital transformation could accelerate innovation at DOUGLAS as it competes in a rapidly changing market. Van der Laan’s retirement marks the end of a successful era that saw DOUGLAS become a publicly listed omnichannel leader. Investors and industry watchers will look to Bellaiche to build on that momentum, particularly in e-commerce and exclusive brand offerings, while maintaining profitability across its vast European network.
