In episode 468 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Gena Smith, chief human resources officer at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a leading luxury goods group, and Beatrice Goasglas, president of TAG Heuer Americas, a luxury timepiece brand. Listen in as Smith discusses why LVMH expanded its Métiers d’Excellence (ME) apprenticeship program in the U.S. (1:35) and the growing lack of skilled craftspeople (3:50). They share why LVMH and TAG Heuer have partnered on the ME program (5:45) and how the brands have crafted a curriculum for the apprenticeship program (8:40).
In addition, Smith and Goasglas detail the tactics LVMH and TAG Heuer are implementing to gain awareness and participation in the ME program (12:05), the demographics of the apprentices entering the program (15:00), and what success looks like for the ME program at both brands (17:20).
Gena Smith is the chief human resource officer for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in North America. A highly experienced human resources executive, Smith ensures that LVMH is best in class at selecting, developing and retaining senior executive and creative talent. Prior to joining LVMH in September 2011, Smith was global managing director at Karen Harvey Consulting, where she led the luxury and retail executive recruitment practice worldwide. She previously spent 10 years as an executive search consultant at Russell Reynolds Associates and Ray & Berndtson, working with many leading retail, luxury and consumer brands. Smith's earlier experience included several years in international education.
Smith is a member of the advisory board for Tiffany & Co., and a member of the board of directors for Gabriela Hearst. She is also on the board of governors for Parsons School of Design and on the board of governors of the Fashion Scholarship Fund. Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business. She also studied French, Greek and Mandarin. She currently resides in New York City with her husband, Carlton Smith, and two children, Madeline and Gage.
Beatrice Goasglas-Nicolas is the president of TAG Heuer Americas at LVMH. As an accomplished leader in luxury brand management and through her transformative leadership, Goasglas-Nicolas dedicated her career to elevating brand presence, fostering retail excellence, and creating exceptional customer experiences. Prior to joining TAG Heuer and the watch industry, Goasglas-Nicolas held various leadership roles in brand, marketing and digital transformation across the beauty, fashion and luxury sectors. Her work with well-established companies such as L'Oréal, SMCP, and The Kooples reflect her passion for entrepreneurship and meaningful storytelling, consistently aligning brand equity with deep consumer engagement to drive growth, loyalty and revenue.
Goasglas-Nicolas is a dedicated advocate for team empowerment, deeply believing in the power of collective and the importance of nurturing talent. She is also strongly committed to advancing women’s empowerment and promoting diversity and inclusion across the business landscape. Goasglas-Nicolas holds a Master’s degree in International Business, a journey that has taken her across the globe. Fluent in multiple languages, she has studied and worked in diverse cultural environments, enriching her leadership approach. Goasglas-Nicolas currently resides in the Miami with her husband, Gregory Nicolas, and their two children, Marcel and Apolline.
