Innovating and Committed to Legacy

As an opener, what would you say are the watchwords of your career?
I would say it is defined by a taste for exploration, if I may use that expression. I discovered the experience of living abroad early on, with an academic journey at Princeton University in the United States, followed by my first professional experience at Saks in New York, the renowned American retailer, where I worked for two and a half years. This allowed me to develop a deeply rooted customer experience. My father then invited me to join Sisley and establish our subsidiary in Mexico: a pioneering role where I built a team that, in part, still remains today. Later, I also created our subsidiary in the United Kingdom, where our brand was exclusively present at Harrods in London. I managed the UK market for 12 years, an experience that enabled me to perform many roles and to understand very different markets and environments. Interacting with consumers from different continents gave me a broad mindset that I continue to cultivate today.
After these international years, I returned to France. I now lead Sisley alongside my brother, with a particular focus on communication and marketing. We continue to work with my mother on product development. As you can see, we are a family business founded by my parents in 1976, with a strong culture of legacy.
What defines my career is undoubtedly these experiences across different cultures and countries, serving a family business that has grown and evolved significantly over the past 50 years.

On a more personal note, how would you describe yourself?
I believe I am calm and determined, with a strong work ethic and energy! I maintain a disciplined lifestyle, which includes sports, especially swimming. It is a physical and mental necessity I cannot do without. My three daughters have adopted this lifestyle and passion for sport as well. It allows us to share many moments together and to nurture a genuine bond.
Beyond my role as a business leader, I am deeply committed to my role as a mother. Having raised my daughters, I now prioritize quality time with them.
Art also holds great importance in my life — contemporary art, design, literature, and so forth. I have the privilege of presiding over the gala of the Opera-Comique. My passion for art enables me to foster intergenerational connections and to share tastes with my mother, daughters, and niece, blending, understanding, and appreciating them together.

What are the biggest challenges facing your brand and industry?
Evolution, of course — innovating to better meet our clients’ needs while preserving the values of our brand and the authenticity of our research, products, and cosmetological approach.
Our research laboratories quickly identified similar issues affecting both skin and scalp. By intensifying our development focus on these areas, we launched our hair care brand five years ago, which is experiencing significant growth. I also think of our extensive work over the past decade on neuroscience. Emotions impact the skin; this is a challenge we intend to meet by adapting our products accordingly.
Just as my father did in his time, Sisley cosmetics will continue to make great strides in care and treatment, as well as in our discoveries related to skin and aging dysfunctions. These are major challenges ahead, which my mother, brother, myself, the next generation, and our 4,500 employees will face with determination, a passion for success, and a profound respect for our brand.
Adapting to new technologies, evolving daily needs and habits, and scientific progress — all without losing our soul, character, independence, and unity — will define us in the coming years.

What are you most proud of over the last two years, Christine?
I would highlight our new neurocosmetic brand, Neurae, and our hair care brand, “Hair Rituel by Sisley,” which is enjoying growing success. For Neurae, we donate 1% of our sales revenue to organizations focused on mental health, a key pillar of the Sisley Foundation. Mental health is a fundamental issue that remains under-discussed, and through supporting research, we aim to bring it out of the shadows and make it more accessible to families affected by this often overwhelming challenge.
I was not raised with pride or the desire to “rest on my laurels,” which often kills the drive to excel. However, if you ask me, I am proud of Sisley and our ability to preserve its uniqueness and identity. I am proud to work with my family — my mother, brother, and niece. Proud that we continue to understand, respect, listen to, and support each other. Finally, I am proud to be the mother of my three daughters, and I believe they are proud to have an active and engaged mother.

What is your idea of beauty?
This is a very subjective question. For me, beauty is what endures over time. Beauty is about taking care of oneself. I appreciate raw beauty — that which is not overdone or overly sophisticated.

What advice would you give to young people thinking about their future career?
Do not set limits, as this is an age when possibilities are endless. It is a privilege to be cherished. Travel and exposure to different cultures broaden the mind. Contribute your part, in the most literal sense, and prioritize teamwork to develop yourself, draw inspiration from others, and invest with your own vision and sensitivities.