Frédérique Laval Elected President of French Leather Goods Federation, Succeeding Longtime Leader

The French leather goods industry has a new voice at the table. On June 17, 2026, the Federation Française de la Maroquinerie (FFM) elected Frédérique Laval as its President, succeeding Arnaud Haefelin, who had led the Federation across two separate stints: first from 2015 to 2019, and again from 2021 to 2026.

Laval is not an outsider to the industry she now represents. For more than 15 years, she has co-led Groupe Fleurus, a family-owned luxury leather goods manufacturer founded in 1942 in Saint-Flour, France. The company employs approximately 1,500 people across multiple French production sites and works with leading French luxury brands while also developing its own brand, Maison Fèvre. Before joining the family business, Laval worked in consulting and auditing—experience that will likely serve her well in navigating the policy and regulatory landscape that the FFM operates within.

In her acceptance, Laval framed the role in terms that blend heritage with forward orientation: “The French leather goods industry is a living heritage, supported by committed companies, exceptional craftsmanship and passionate women and men. The Federation must continue to be a strong, respected and unifying voice for the entire sector, helping companies address current challenges while promoting Made in France both at home and internationally.”

It is a mandate that comes with a substantial constituency. Under Haefelin’s tenure, the Federation expanded its reach and now represents 89.72% of employers in the French leather goods industry—a remarkable density of representation that gives the FFM considerable weight in discussions with government, regulators, and educational institutions.

Haefelin’s presidency was notable for several initiatives that have shaped the current landscape of the French leather goods sector. The Leather Goods Observatory #2030, launched under his leadership, has become a key source of data and forecasting for the industry. The Federation also deepened its engagement with policymakers on issues including tax credits, apprenticeship programs, employment policy, and anti-counterfeiting measures. Perhaps most importantly for the long-term health of the sector, the FFM supported the inclusion of leather goods manufacturing in the national WorldSkills competition, the creation of the National Diploma for Arts and Crafts in Leather Goods (BNMA), and a partnership with the French Fashion Institute (IFM)—initiatives that collectively address the skills pipeline that the industry depends upon.

Laval’s own profile suggests a continuation of that pragmatic, industry-building approach. Her role as President of the Auvergne Committee of the French Foreign Trade Advisors indicates experience in international trade promotion—a critical skill set as the French leather goods industry looks to expand its export footprint while defending its domestic manufacturing base.

The challenges awaiting her are not trivial. The French leather goods industry operates in an environment of rising energy costs, evolving sustainability regulations, and intensifying global competition. The sector must simultaneously maintain its positioning at the highest end of the market—where margins are healthiest—while also ensuring that the next generation of leather workers is trained and retained in France rather than migrating toward other manufacturing centers.

There is also the question of how the Federation balances the interests of its largest member companies—global luxury conglomerates with substantial resources—with those of smaller, family-owned manufacturers like Groupe Fleurus, which Laval knows intimately. A Federation that speaks for 89.72% of employers cannot afford to become captive to any single constituency.

Laval’s election signals continuity rather than rupture. The FFM has built a strong institutional foundation over the past decade; her task is to consolidate those gains while positioning the Federation for the challenges of the next decade. If she can help the French leather goods industry navigate the convergence of regulatory change, skills shortages, and global market shifts, her presidency will be counted a success.

Source: Leather News – Frédérique Laval Elected President of French Leather Goods Federation FFM