Saskia de Rothschild will replace her father at Chateau Lafite, the estate has confirmed, while CEO Christophe Salin will make way for LVMH’s Jean-Guillaume Prats.
Saskia has acted as co-director of the group for the last two years. She graduated from HEC Paris and Colombia University, and began her career as a journalist with the International New York Times.
She becomes the second female head of Bordeaux’s five grand cru estates – Corinne Mentzelopoulos heads up Chateau Margaux.
Elsewhere in the business, Jean-Guillaume Prats will take over the day-to-day management of the company, with longstanding president Christophe Salin taking a role as senior advisor. Eric de Rothschild will remain a managing partner. All transitions are expected to be underway by March next year.
de Rothschild commented: “Christophe Salin and I have spent more than 30 years working together on the management of Lafite and the domaines and I am extremely grateful for what he has achieved during this period. We are happy to welcome a new tandem, which will lead the group to new heights and ensure that we continue to make great wines. That’s what we do best!”
