Nurturing Future Leaders

The Luxury Education Foundation cultivates the next generation of luxury leadership through transformative programs that provide access, belonging, and connections to a global community of accomplished executives and iconic brands.

Learn more about the Luxury Education Foundation for:

2024 Participating Brands

The Luxury Education Foundation

Established in 2005, LEF is a public not-for-profit organization that nurtures future leaders in the luxury industry and fosters meaningful exchanges between like-minded CEOs, leading executives, and high-potential, emerging talent.

Friends of LEF

Not a brand or an LEF alum? Become a Friend of LEF and get access to exclusive events where leaders in the luxury industry share their views on current trends and challenges facing the industry with an enthusiastic group of business and design students.

A special thank you to our media partner Sarah Gargano Communications for their support throughout the years.

What people are saying

  • “As Chairman of the Board of LEF, I was always amazed by the energy of our organization which allowed us to continuously reinvent ourselves in the ever-changing landscape of the luxury experience."

    - Robert Chavez

    Chairman, Hermès Americas

    LEF Director Emeritus

  • "LEF has built a wonderful community of students and alumni in the luxury space and is a wonderful partner to Columbia Business School. They always do more for our students than we can expect. LEF is always coming to us with new program ideas and opportunities for both MBA and PhD students, supporting industry opportunities as well as basic research. It’s always a pleasure to work with LEF."

    -Kinshuk Jerath

    Chair of the Marketing Division, Columbia Business School

  • “LEF has always been instrumental in the growth of my career. From the Alumni Council, to countless informative panels, LEF has allowed me to stay connected to peers across the industry for over 15 years.”

    - Maloni Goss

    Head of Insights, CHANEL

    LEF Alumna, CBS Class of ‘08

  • "If you are a key decision-maker at a small luxury brand, you would often find yourself wondering if you're operating the right way. You wish there were others who understood you and could chime in with trusted and qualified advice. You will find this community in the Emerging Luxury Council."

    - Gourav Soni

    LEF Alumus, CBS Class of ‘16

    Emerging Luxury Council Founding Member and Co-Chair

We had the privilege of hosting our LEF Leaders meeting at the exceptional @ferrari showroom. 🏢 A truly incredible and elegant setting that provided the perfect environment to discuss the foundation's plans for the coming year! A big thank you to
Meet one of LEF’s Emerging Luxury Council members - Min Santandrea! @santm.co is a functional luxury, comfort chic, handmade in Italy footwear brand. Set out to give modern women a newfound sense of freedom and ease in their day-to-day lives.
Our students had breakfast with Lahnie Strange, Senior Vice President & Global General Manager at @bobbibrown 🌟 Lahnie shared valuable insights into the beauty industry, helping our students gain a better understanding of the industry's dynami
It was an honor to host Matthieu Garnier, CEO of @loropiana North America, for our final Fireside Chat of the year! ✨ Matthieu led an engaging discussion with our students and alumni, offering thoughtful advice and perspectives that were both timely
We had the honor of welcoming Rebekah McCabe, General Manager of Fashion at @chanelofficial ! 💄 She shared her inspiring journey, her current role, and engaged in a lively exchange with our students. 🎤 It was a truly enriching discussion, with qu