The Mulliez Family Association (AFM), known for its emphasis on blood ties, is poised to confirm Fabien Derville as the new president of Auchan following a board meeting this Wednesday. This decision bypasses Barthélémy Guislain, the current chairman of the AFM’s management board, who was widely expected to succeed Yves Claude and had garnered significant internal support.
Guislain, who has held his position since 2014, is considered an "outsider" within the close-knit family, having joined the Mulliez clan through marriage in 1998. Derville, on the other hand, is a direct descendant, the son of Éric Derville, the entrepreneur who founded Norauto, a satellite company within the northern French business empire, and Jeannette Mulliez.
Fabien Derville’s career path exemplifies the Mulliez family’s preference for nurturing talent from within. A "pure product of Mulliez," he began his career in 1984, immediately after graduating from the IUT (University Institute of Technology) in Valenciennes, as a department manager at a Leroy Merlin store. His dedication and competence led to a promotion to store director within four years. In 1992, he transitioned to Norauto, further solidifying his experience within the broader Mulliez ecosystem. By 2002, he had risen to the leadership position of Auto 5, the Belgian subsidiary of the group, showcasing his international experience and leadership capabilities.
The decision to appoint Derville, despite Guislain’s apparent suitability and backing, underscores the powerful influence of family lineage within the AFM’s structure. It highlights a deep-seated belief in the continuity and preservation of family values and control within the vast business empire. The AFM, a sprawling network of companies ranging from retail giants like Auchan and Decathlon to DIY stores like Leroy Merlin and automotive chains like Norauto, operates on a model of shared ownership and a strong commitment to reinvesting profits within the group. This model has fostered remarkable growth and resilience over the decades, but it also creates unique dynamics in terms of succession planning and leadership selection.
Guislain’s experience and performance were evidently not enough to overcome the inherent advantage of being a direct Mulliez descendant. While his marriage to a Mulliez family member undoubtedly integrated him into the clan to some extent, it did not grant him the same level of inherent trust and perceived legitimacy as a blood relative. The AFM’s structure prioritizes family members in key leadership positions, ensuring that the core values and long-term vision of the founding family remain at the heart of the organization’s decision-making processes.
The selection of Derville can be interpreted as a reaffirmation of this principle. His extensive experience within various Mulliez-owned companies, starting from an entry-level position and steadily climbing the ranks, demonstrates a deep understanding of the group’s culture, values, and operational strategies. He has been immersed in the Mulliez way of doing business for decades, making him a familiar and trusted figure within the organization. This internal grooming process ensures that leaders are not only competent but also deeply aligned with the family’s long-term vision for the group.
Furthermore, the appointment of a leader with a strong background in retail is particularly relevant in the current challenging environment for the industry. Auchan, like many other retailers, faces increasing competition from online platforms, changing consumer preferences, and economic uncertainties. Derville’s experience at both Leroy Merlin and Norauto, two companies that have successfully adapted to the evolving retail landscape, positions him well to guide Auchan through these challenges. His understanding of customer needs, supply chain management, and omnichannel strategies will be crucial in ensuring Auchan’s continued success.
The decision, while seemingly favoring blood ties, is also likely driven by a strategic assessment of the skills and experience required to lead Auchan in the years to come. Derville’s proven track record of success within the Mulliez ecosystem, combined with his deep understanding of the retail industry, makes him a logical choice to steer the company forward.
The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate leadership transition at Auchan. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family-owned businesses and the unique dynamics that shape their governance and succession planning. While meritocracy and professional expertise are undoubtedly valued within the AFM, the importance of family lineage remains a defining characteristic of the organization’s culture and decision-making processes. This approach, while sometimes perceived as insular, has also contributed to the long-term stability and success of the Mulliez empire, allowing it to weather economic storms and adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining its core values and long-term vision. The appointment of Fabien Derville is the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, a testament to the enduring power of blood ties within the Mulliez Family Association.
