Rémy Martin celebrates three centuries of unmatched excellence
This October, the House of Rémy Martin will mark a momentous 300 years of unparalleled cognac craftsmanship in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa. Since its inception in 1724, the House has been steered by visionary leaders who have seamlessly woven together the threads of the past, present, and future.
The success of Rémy Martin is a testament to the dedication and passion of its stakeholders. Excellence is not achieved overnight; it is the result of time, collaboration, and the harmonious convergence of diverse talents, such as those of DJ Zinhle and Cedric Nzaka.
Marie-Amélie de Leusse has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rémy Cointreau since July 2022. She is also Managing Director of Andromède (the Hériard Dubreuil family holding) since April 2019.
After studies in international finance, Marie-Amélie de Leusse worked in international banking in London (Société Générale Investment Banking and NM Rothschild & Sons).
She joined the Rémy Cointreau group in 2010, first in Paris as management controller and then in Singapore from 2013 to 2016 as head of financial planning and analysis for GTR Asia.
GQ sat down with Marie-Amélie de Leusse to delve into this important milestone and the enduring legacy of the brand.
GQ: Crafting the Future: With a legacy steeped in craftsmanship and excellence, how does Rémy Martin balance the need to innovate and dream forward while ensuring that its world-class cognacs, particularly Cognac Fine Champagne, continue to meet the highest standards?
Marie-Amélie de Leusse: At Rémy Martin, our legacy of excellence in Cognac Fine Champagne stems from centuries of meticulous craftsmanship, grounded in the core values of terroir, people, and time. We believe in the importance of transmission—passing down expertise from one generation to the next—to maintain the exceptional quality of our cognacs.
From sustainable production methods to embracing digital advancements and culturally relevant communication, we continuously innovate without compromising our heritage. By blending tradition with forward-thinking practices, we ensure our cognacs not only meet the highest standards but also remain relevant to modern tastes.
GQ: Staying Relevant: As consumer preferences rapidly evolve, how does Rémy Martin remain attuned to contemporary trends while honouring its rich heritage? What strategies are in place to ensure the brand resonates with both traditional and modern audiences?
Marie-Amélie de Leusse: To stay attuned to evolving consumer preferences, we actively engage with the cultural influences that shape and define our audience. A key part of our strategy is leveraging digital platforms and collaborating with artists who resonate with our clients, allowing us to blend our rich tradition with modern culture.
This approach ensures that we appeal to both our loyal, long-time connoisseurs and the younger generation. By honouring our heritage while staying innovative and culturally relevant, we maintain a strong connection with diverse audiences across generations.
GQ: Future Aspirations: What are you most enthusiastic about regarding Rémy Martin's future? What aspirations do you hold for the brand as it continues to expand its influence?
Marie-Amélie de Leusse: I’m most enthusiastic about expanding Rémy Martin’s global presence while staying true to our core values of terroir, people and time, and, of course, excellence. A key focus for the future is sustainability, with ongoing efforts to engage our partner-winegrowers in both HEV and CEC environmental certification and reduce our carbon footprint.
As we enter new markets, I’m excited to share the rich heritage and artistry behind our cognacs with a wider audience, ensuring that Rémy Martin continues to be recognized as a symbol of timeless quality and excellence.
GQ: Cultural Integration: As Rémy Martin plants deeper roots in South Africa, how do you envision the brand not just fitting into, but truly embodying the rich and vibrant cultural landscape?
Marie-Amélie de Leusse: In South Africa, Rémy Martin is committed not just to expanding but to truly celebrating and integrating into the rich local culture. By partnering with South African artists and creatives, and hosting events that showcase the fusion of art, music, and fine craftsmanship, we aim to capture the nation’s vibrant spirit while maintaining the elegance and heritage of our brand. Our vision is to build enduring cultural partnerships that reflect both the timeless legacy of Rémy Martin and the dynamic, energetic pulse of the country.