Bernard Arnault Elected to Prestigious French Academy

The billionaire CEO of LVMH secures a seat in the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques, sparking discussions on his influence and legacy.

Bernard Arnault, CEO of luxury conglomerate LVMH and one of the world's wealthiest individuals, was elected to the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques on December 2, 2024.
He won the first-round vote for the chair in the 'Economy, Statistics, and Finance' section, previously held by Denis Kessler, who passed away in 2023.
The Académie, part of the Institut de France, is composed of 50 lifetime members, including notable economists, former ministers, and business leaders.
Arnault's election has drawn attention to the academy's trajectory, with some critics questioning its alignment with figures linked to significant carbon footprints.
This latest accolade adds to Arnault's numerous honors, including the Grand-Croix of the Légion d'Honneur, awarded earlier this year.