Who Owns Sephora? Inside Its LVMH Ownership
Chase Binnie
Sephora is owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The beauty retailer has been part of the French luxury group since 1997 and operates within LVMH’s Selective Retailing business group.
Sephora is not a separately traded public company. Consumers cannot buy “Sephora stock.” Investors can instead own shares of its publicly listed parent, LVMH.
How Sephora’s ownership works
LVMH is Sephora’s direct corporate parent. Within LVMH, Sephora sits alongside other selective-retailing businesses, including DFS and Le Bon Marché.
This is different from a store partnership or licensing agreement. For example, Sephora operates branded beauty departments inside Kohl’s stores in the United States, but Kohl’s does not own Sephora. The arrangement is a commercial partnership, while Sephora remains part of LVMH.
LVMH itself has public shareholders, but those investors own shares in the parent group rather than direct shares in Sephora.
When did LVMH buy Sephora?
Sephora traces its beginnings to Limoges, France, in 1969. LVMH acquired the retailer in 1997.
The acquisition gave Sephora the backing of a global luxury group while allowing it to expand as a distinct retail brand. Sephora subsequently entered the United States in 1998 and continued building its international store and digital network.
A brief Sephora ownership timeline
- 1969: Sephora traces its inception to Limoges, France.
- 1997: Sephora becomes part of LVMH.
- 1998: Sephora opens its first U.S. store.
- 2021: Sephora begins opening shop-in-shop locations inside Kohl’s stores.
- 2026: Sephora remains part of LVMH’s Selective Retailing business group.
What LVMH ownership means for Sephora
LVMH ownership places Sephora inside a large portfolio of luxury, beauty, fashion, jewelry, hospitality, and retail businesses.
Sephora still operates as its own consumer-facing retail brand. Its parent-company relationship gives it access to LVMH’s financial resources, international infrastructure, luxury-industry expertise, and relationships across the beauty market.
The arrangement should not be confused with LVMH owning every brand sold at Sephora. Sephora carries hundreds of brands from many different companies, alongside its own Sephora Collection label. Some brands in its assortment belong to LVMH, while many do not.
How large is Sephora?
As stated in Sephora’s corporate media kit accessed in November 2026, the retailer reported:
- More than 3,400 stores
- Operations in 37 markets
- Approximately 55,000 employees
- A selection of close to 500 brands
These figures are company-reported and may change as Sephora opens, closes, or relocates stores.
Who runs Sephora?
As of November 12, 2026, Guillaume Motte is Sephora’s global president and CEO. Artemis Patrick leads Sephora’s business in North America as president and CEO of Sephora North America.
These executives manage the business, but they do not personally own Sephora.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sephora owned by Louis Vuitton?
Sephora and Louis Vuitton share the same parent company, LVMH. Louis Vuitton does not directly own Sephora.
Does Kohl’s own Sephora?
No. Kohl’s and Sephora have a shop-in-shop partnership, but Sephora remains owned by LVMH.
Is Sephora a public company?
Sephora is not separately public. Its parent, LVMH, is publicly traded.
Can I buy Sephora stock?
There is no standalone Sephora stock. Investors seeking exposure to Sephora would have to evaluate shares of its parent company, LVMH.
Does Sephora own the beauty brands it sells?
Generally, no. Sephora is a retailer carrying brands from many different owners. It also offers its own Sephora Collection label.
Who is Sephora’s CEO?
As of November 12, 2026, Guillaume Motte is Sephora’s global president and CEO.
Sources
| Claim | Primary source |
|---|---|
| LVMH ownership; 1969 inception; part of group since 1997; markets, stores, employees, brands | Sephora corporate media kit |
| Sephora belongs to LVMH Selective Retailing | LVMH 2025 Universal Registration Document |
| July 1997 acquisition timing | LVMH 2023 Universal Registration Document |
| Guillaume Motte and Artemis Patrick leadership | Sephora About Us |
| LVMH group history and parent-company context | LVMH history |