Dior CEO receives honorary doctorate from Ewha Womans University

Delphine Arnault, CEO of Christian Dior, received an honorary doctorate in business administration from Ewha Womans University at Kim Young-eui Hall in the university's music building on Thursday.

The ceremony drew a prominent gathering of South Korean business leaders, including Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, Shin Yoo-yeol — co-CEO of Lotte Biologics and head of the future growth division at Lotte Holdings — Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun, and Hotel Shilla President Lee Boo-jin.

Lee broke into a wide smile and applauded when Arnault opened her acceptance speech with "Bonjour, annyeonghaseyo." The connection between Lee and Arnault runs deep: Hotel Shilla was the site of Louis Vuitton's first store in Korea.

"I am deeply honored to receive this meaningful distinction from Ewha Womans University," Arnault said. "Korea has long been, and continues to be, a very important market for Dior." She added that she was proud to support the talent, creativity and leadership of young women.

Arnault is the daughter of Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The two visited Korea in May, touring stores including Louis Vuitton outlets, starting at Shinsegae's flagship store before moving on to Lotte Department Store's main branch and its Jamsil location.

At the Lotte Department Store Jamsil branch, Chairman Shin and his eldest son personally greeted the Arnault party and accompanied them throughout the roughly 40-minute visit.

Ewha said it decided to confer the degree in recognition of Arnault's management capabilities and leadership in the global fashion industry, her contributions to nurturing the next generation of talent, and her alignment with the university's educational vision of advancing women's growth.

Dior has partnered with Ewha Womans University since 2022, running a mentoring program for enrolled students.

Some of the business figures who attended the ceremony were expected to join a luncheon on the Ewha campus later that day.