# Jean Madar

> Jean Madar is the French co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Interparfums, Inc. An ESSEC graduate who established the American business in New York in 1985, he built a transatlantic fragrance group with Philippe Benacin. His work combines fashion-brand licensing, product development, packaging and global distribution; his other interests include family real estate and contemporary art.

- **Role:** Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Interparfums, Inc.
- **Organizations:** Interparfums, Inc., Interparfums SA, Jean Madar Holding
- **From:** Paris, France
- **Nationality:** French
- **Education:** ESSEC Business School
- **Known for:** Co-built a fragrance group distributing products in over 120 countries., Led the American business through its 1988 public listing and has served as CEO since January 1997., Interparfums passed $1 billion in annual sales in 2022 and recorded $1.489 billion in 2025.

## Career timeline

- **1982** — Interparfums traces the beginning of its fragrance business to 1982, with co-founders Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin.
- **1983** — Graduated from ESSEC; began an early managing-director role at the French business.
- **1985** — Moved from Paris to New York to establish Jean Philippe Fragrances, the American predecessor business.
- **1988** — The American business completed its initial public offering.
- **1993** — Interparfums signed the Burberry fragrance license, a turning point in its move into prestige fragrance.
- **1994** — Became Director General of Interparfums SA in January.
- **1997** — Became CEO of Interparfums, Inc. in January.
- **2016** — Accepted Pratt Institute’s Art of Packaging Award on behalf of Interparfums.
- **2021** — Interparfums added the Ferragamo license and established an Italian platform in Florence.
- **2022** — Interparfums exceeded $1 billion in annual sales.
- **2023** — Added Lacoste and Roberto Cavalli fragrance licenses; selected for the Glossy 50.
- **2025** — Interparfums reported $1.489 billion in annual net sales and introduced its own Solférino fragrance brand.
- **2026** — Announced a PUMA fragrance agreement through 2037 and a Roberto Cavalli license extension through 2046.

## Achievements

- Co-built a fragrance group distributing products in over 120 countries.
- Led the American business through its 1988 public listing and has served as CEO since January 1997.
- Interparfums passed $1 billion in annual sales in 2022 and recorded $1.489 billion in 2025.
- Accepted the Art of Packaging Award for Interparfums at Pratt Institute’s 2016 gala.
- Named to the Glossy 50 in 2023.
- Recipient of an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, as documented in his 2003 biography; award year not specified.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — On September 22, Interparfums announced an exclusive worldwide PUMA fragrance license through December 31, 2037; a signature lifestyle fragrance is planned for 2027.
- **2026-09** — On September 17, Interparfums and Marquee Brands announced a 20-year Roberto Cavalli and Just Cavalli fragrance license extension through December 31, 2046.
- **2026-07** — In a July 6 interview, Madar discussed a maturing fragrance market, direct-to-retail distribution and younger male consumers.
- **2026-03** — In a March 17 interview, Madar discussed social media, AI-assisted fragrance discovery, tariffs and the continued role of physical retail.
- **2026-02** — Interparfums reported 2025 annual net sales of $1.489 billion, up 2% from 2024.

## Links

- Website: https://www.interparfumsinc.com/board-of-directors/jean-madar

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/jean-madar
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-15