Ginette Moulin, Icon of Galeries Lafayette and French Business, Dies at 98

The heiress and former chairwoman, who recently passed leadership to the next generation, was a pivotal figure in the storied history of the retail empire.

Ginette Moulin, granddaughter of Galeries Lafayette co-founder Théophile Bader, passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 98.
Moulin led the family-owned retail group for 21 years, stepping down in August 2024 to transfer leadership to her gendre Philippe Houzé and her grandchildren.
Under her leadership, Galeries Lafayette expanded to 57 stores in France, though recent financial challenges prompted plans to close two Marseille locations by the end of 2025.
Moulin and her family were ranked as the 34th wealthiest in France in 2024, with a professional fortune of €4.05 billion.
Born in 1927, Moulin’s life was marked by resilience and legacy, including her family’s survival during World War II and her pivotal role in securing the company’s future through generational transitions.