Jean-Louis Dumas
Jean-Louis Dumas (2 February 1938 – 1 May 2010) was a French businessman who served as the chairman of the Hermès group from 1978 until 2006. He also served as the company's artistic director. Dumas is credited with turning Hermès into a global luxury brand during his tenure as chairman.
Dumas' family founded Hermès in 1837. He turned Hermès into a global brand after taking in the chairmanship in 1978, adding interests in Jean-Paul Gaultier and the Leica camera maker to the company.
Jean Louis-Dumas retired as the chairman and artistic director of Hermès in January 2006 due to declining health. He died in Paris, France, on 1 May 2010, at the age of 72. He was replaced in the position by Pierre-Alexis Dumas, a great-great-great grandson of company founder.
