5 Questions With Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy

The top executive talks to Tatler about running the high-end spirits business and his future plans for Moët Hennessy

Moët Hennessy, the wines and spirits division of LVMH, is best known for an impressive product portfolio that includes Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Glenmorangie, Hennessy, and Dom Pérignon. Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy, recently visited Kuala Lumpur for the grand opening of the company's new office in Menara TS Law at Tun Razak Exchange.

Schaus has been a member of the executive committee of LVMH since 2012, and CEO of the spirits business since 2017. During an intimate meet-and-greet, he talks about the industry, from tackling pent-up demand to his drink of choice.

Above Schaus recently visited Kuala Lumpur for the grand opening of the company's new office in Menara TS Law

What does a day in your life look like?

I am traveling half of the time, but when I'm in the office, I interact with my team regarding different subjects. I am constantly juggling many balls in the air and making sure they stay in the air.

My day involves lots of meetings about different projects, whether growing the supply of Champagne, investing in a new Glenmorangie warehouse, or opening a champagne bar in Harrods in London. Many different things are happening at once in different markets.

How does Moët Hennessy plan to tackle the increased demand for spirits?

After the pandemic, we definitely experienced higher, pent-up demand. Similar to watches and bags, when there is a shortage, it does not take away from desirability but rather builds anticipation. Furthermore, this kind of demand will not remain high but we are slowly and surely increasing supply.

View this post on Instagram

What is your drink of choice?

It changes depending on the situation. After a long day, I often have a glass of dry white wine which relaxes me. If I have friends coming over, I always have champagne to celebrate. With a meal, perhaps a glass of red wine, and in the evening, sometimes whisky. But probably not everything on the same day! though!

How do you view the drinking culture in Malaysia?

I think it has really evolved over time. With many drinks, there needs to be an acquired taste. When you drink your first glass of wine, you might not like it. But the more you drink, the more you like it as you are able to notice differences between spirits and develop your own taste and preferences. This is true for whisky, wines, and other drinks. Our objective is to have consumers refine their tastes, giving them a richer experience.

See also: GE15: Dining Perks When You Vote

How do you see the future of Moët Hennessy under your leadership?

We plan to transform the company through innovation. One way we have started to do this is focusing on key moments of consumption. For example, for an apéritif, we offer rosé wines in addition to champagne, while for dining, we have wines. For cocktail bars or gifting, we have tequila, rum, champagne and vodka. In each moment of consumption, we want to have not the most volume of products, but the best quality products.

NOW READ

Where To Go for Glorious Sunday Roasts in the Klang Valley

Asia's Most Influential: 7 Rapid Fire Questions With Vuitton Pang

8 Tasty Tempeh Dishes in the Klang Valley

Credits

Images

Hennessy Malaysia

Topics

Moët Hennessy Philippe Schaus

Tatler Asia

5 Questions With Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy