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The Courtin family: preparing the next generation to lead Clarins
For the Courtin family, success is not measured solely by the performance of the Clarins Group. It is also defined by a longstanding commitment to preparing future generations to take the business forward. From an early age, younger family members are introduced to the business, guided in their development and brought together around a shared set of values. This structured yet dynamic approach helps equip each generation to take responsibility for the future of the business, ensuring its continuity across generations.
In our recent study on French family businesses, we feature the perspectives of Virginie and Prisca Courtin, who represent the third generation of the family today.
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Virginie Courtin is CEO of the Clarins Group and an Executive Director of Holding Famille C. Prisca Courtin is CEO of Famille C Participations, the Courtin family investment company, and an Executive Director of Holding Famille C.
A shared vision of continuity
For the Courtins, long-term continuity rests on the strength of the bond that unites the family and the business. That relationship is grounded by a deep understanding of the Group, its history and the founding values established by Jacques Courtin. In this sense, succession means more than simply passing on wealth or ownership. It’s about preserving a shared vision built on hard work, excellence, trust and family cohesion, while giving each generation the freedom to shape the business in its own way.
Striking the balance between continuity and individual freedom
Passing a business on requires a clear framework of shared values and responsibilities. Being a shareholder involves more than simply holding shares. It means acting as a compass for the family, understanding its heritage, living up to the responsibilities that come with ownership, and fostering solidarity among family members.
Being a shareholder involves more than more than simply holding shares. It means acting as a compass for the family
Within this clear framework, each family member is free to define how they wish to contribute to the shared endeavour, according to their own strengths and aspirations. What unites them is a common guiding principle: respecting the work of others, maintaining high standards, and remaining open-minded enough to preserve the founder’s spirit while allowing the business to evolve with the times.
Durability means preparing early
The family has designed an initiation process for future generations that begins at a very young age. Seminars and workshops help them become familiar with the business, its various divisions and the challenges it faces, while also developing the skills needed to work together, listen and engage in constructive debate. In this way, they build the foundations for effective governance and develop the sense of solidarity needed to sustain a family business across generations.
The family has designed an initiation process for future generations that beings at a very young age
The process also includes an assessment by an external committee for those who wish to join the business. This helps ensure that entry into the company is fair and professional, while allowing everyone to follow a development path suited to their strengths and aspirations.
A smooth succession is one that is anticipated
The Courtin family has already navigated two major generational transitions: first from founder Jacques Courtin to his sons, and more recently from the second generation to the third. Both transitions were approached with a strong focus on continuity, supported by two solid foundations: careful, structured preparation and close attention to family cohesion.
Passing on the founder’s values lies at the heart of this continuity. They serve as reference points and foster a shared sense of belonging that unites generations. Alongside this, the family invests in developing the soft skills required for effective governance, such as communicating openly, engaging in constructive debate, listening to different perspectives and making decisions together.
Passing on the founder’s values is what lies at the heart of continuity. They serve as reference points and foster a shared sense of belonging that unites generations
The emphasis on shared learning and alignment helps ensure everyone is on the same page, enabling shareholders to take responsibility in a spirit of respect and solidarity. It also means that succession is never treated as a sensitive subject to be avoided or swept under the carpet, but as a natural expression of thoughtful, active and effective family governance.
Independent ownership remains a strategic choice for the Courtin family. When the Group delisted from the stock exchange in 2008, the family made clear its intention to run the company according to its own long-term vision, free from the pressures of short-term market expectations. Famille C Participations was established in 2019 in the same spirit, investing for the long term in the beauty and hospitality sectors alongside partners who share the family's
When the Group delisted from the stock exchange in 2008, the family made clear its intention to run the company according to its own long-term vision
About the Clarins Group
Founded in Paris in 1954 by Jacques Courtin, today Clarins is an international cosmetics group recognised for its expertise in care and beauty. The company operates in more than 150 countries and remains a family-run French business.
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This is a marketing communication issued by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd (hereinafter “Lombard Odier”).
It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a marketing communication.
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