China, Shanghai. Alexis PERAKIS-VALAT walked towards me with a robust figure, meticulously dressed, his wavy brown hair and energetic demeanor harmonizing perfectly with the magnificent colors of L'Oréal's (China) office.
When I greeted Mr. Perakis-Valat with a simple English "Nice to meet you," I was surprised by his fluent Chinese response: "你好，请坐" ("Nice to meet you, please sit"). Even more surprising was how, during the interview, this French dignitary’s candid and insightful answers kept the entire conversation lively. The interview focused on high-quality essence serums, revealing much about L'Oréal's operations.
Our conversation flowed smoothly. This was one of the rare media interviews since Alexis became CEO of L'Oréal (China) in September 2009, and I had prepared meticulously for it, receiving his approval. Especially when he answered a question no one had asked before, his spontaneous delight was unexpected, his readiness to take on challenges evident in his expressions—still quintessentially French, rich and humorous.
The interview was originally scheduled for an hour, but we were both reluctant to stop. He had to rush off to an important meeting but calmly instructed his colleagues to give me an additional ten minutes. In the pleasant atmosphere, I completed the interview. It was a journey of discovery, re-exploring what I thought I already knew well—a famous multinational corporation.
A charming life curve
Alexis PERAKIS-VALAT and L'Oréal are equally captivating.
Even as a CEO, Alexis exudes sensuality. He is one of the youngest CEOs in the L'Oréal Group. After serving in key roles within L'Oréal for over a decade, he still radiates the youthful edge and passion that energizes him, particularly noticeable in his athletic build. Yet, he remains consistently polite and humble in his interactions.
Of Greek descent but raised in France, Alexis embodies both the Greeks' rational and steadfast beliefs and the emotional subtlety and romance characteristic of the French.
In 1994, Alexis graduated from the Paris School of Business and joined L'Oréal Paris's International Marketing Department, beginning his career in the mass cosmetics division. Compared to other renowned multinationals like GE or IBM, L'Oréal demonstrates greater flexibility. L'Oréal never confines employees under the guise of “corporate culture.” Instead, its hallmarks are "no framework," "unlimited," and "respect for employee individuality." As Laozi said, "A good leader can conquer the world."
L'Oréal provides a vast stage. Within this "free" and "autonomous" corporate environment, Alexis thrived early, showcasing extraordinary abilities and exceptional talent.
As Alexis successively assumed the critical roles of General Manager of Mass Cosmetics Divisions in Belgium, Spain, and the United States, he always felt a sense of mission, believing it made his life exceptionally fulfilling.
In April 2005, Alexis's career reached a new height. He was appointed Managing Director of L'Oréal Germany, responsible for mass cosmetics brands including L'Oréal Paris, Garnier, and Maybelline, as well as professional haircare brands such as Kérastase and Mythic Oil in Germany. Additionally, he managed the daily operations of L'Oréal Germany.
In 2009, Alexis was transferred back to L'Oréal's headquarters in France, overseeing the entire European region's mass cosmetics business. During his tenure, Alexis helped develop and mentor teams across Europe and 28 countries while managing the most profitable European region for L'Oréal Group.
Henry Mintzberg's description fits Alexis well: previously, he was both athlete and coach, playing different positions on the football field; now, he mainly coaches, leading a vibrant team of elite players ready to compete globally. The team includes younger, more specialized athletes, and his role is to ignite their passion so they play a great game and achieve victory.
To be an outstanding coach requires continuous learning. According to Alexis's colleagues, he works extremely efficiently, possesses strong learning capabilities, speaks multiple languages fluently, and has an impressive memory.
Thanks to Alexis's effective management, the businesses he led flourished, broadening his path at L'Oréal.
In September 2009, Alexis arrived in China, a place filled with unfamiliarity and novelty for him. It's safe to say that confident and decisive Alexis could successfully make this significant leap.