Who is Frédéric Arnault, the rumoured new romance of BLACKPINK’s Lisa as the pair spotted on Instagram?

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has sent netizens into a frenzy with a recent Instagram post sharing her exploits while on holiday; but the gossip isn’t about the bikini that she wore, but rather the company she was keeping - TAG Heuer CEO and heir to the LVMH business, Frédéric Arnault.

Those rumours about the two first emerged three weeks ago, the gossip has reached a new level after those Instagram images also showed Lisa resting her head on the 28-year-old heir - adding more fuel to the fire. 

Arnault has long been a fan of BLACKPINK, with KPopStarz stating that he was at a number of the K-Pop group’s European shows as part of their “Born Pink” world tour, which saw the band make their UK festival debut as part of BST Hyde Park earlier this year. 

PeopleWorld also assumed that given BLACKPINK’s links to some of the luxury brands LVMH that there was already some form of contact between Frédéric and Lisa - so perhaps their involvement with the luxury brand conglomerate might have ended up being the “meet cute” that has led to their apparent relationship.

So who is Frédéric Arnault, and who are some of his family members that comprise one of the richest families in the world today - the Arnault dynasty? PeopleWorld takes a look at the heir apparent to Bernard Arnault’s throne.

Who is Frédéric Arnault?

Frédéric Arnault, the third son of Bernard Arnault, the renowned European billionaire and head of the luxury conglomerate LVMH, has quickly made a name for himself as a prominent figure in the luxury industry. Born in 1995 to Bernard Arnault and Hélène Mercier, Frédéric's upbringing in this wealthy family was paralleled by his drive and ambition to excel in his own right.

Despite the Arnault family's renowned affluence, specific details about Frédéric's birthplace and early life remain private, aligning with his more reserved nature. However, his strong bond with his brothers, Alexandre and Jean, is evident through their shared appearances in social outings and family vacations, where they engage in lavish pursuits.

Frédéric set his sights on carving his own path; he pursued higher education at École Polytechnique, where he co-founded and successfully sold a mobile payments company alongside a friend. However, his trajectory shifted toward the family's luxury empire, particularly with his interest in TAG Heuer, a renowned watch brand under the LVMH umbrella.

Frédéric's connection to TAG Heuer dates back to his childhood when he received a TAG Heuer Aquaracer as a gift from his father at the age of 11. This early introduction sparked his passion for the luxury watch industry - in 2018, he took on the role of Strategy and Digital Director at TAG Heuer, contributing to the company's innovative strategies in a rapidly evolving market.

Stepping into a pivotal role at a youthful age, Frédéric ascended to the position of CEO at TAG Heuer at the age of 25. This made him the second-youngest Arnault to hold such a significant position. He took charge of the brand's direction, focusing on e-commerce growth and cultivating strategic partnerships. Frédéric's leadership led to TAG Heuer's strategic collaboration with Porsche, which further solidified the brand's presence in the luxury watch sector.

Frédéric's commitment to innovation and adaptability came to the fore when he orchestrated a unique partnership with “Barbie” star Ryan Gosling. This collaboration, marked by Gosling's rare endorsement of a product and a multi-year contract, exemplified Frédéric's ability to capitalize on unconventional opportunities in the luxury market.

Beyond his business acumen, Frédéric's multifaceted talents shine through. He speaks several languages fluently, including English, Italian, and German, and is skilled in playing the piano and tennis.