[E-Daily Reporter SHIN MIN JOON ] Expectations for collaboration are growing following reports that Kim Dong-seon, President of Future Strategy at Hanwha Machinery & Service Holdings (Hanwha M&S), held a private meeting with Frédéric Arnault, CEO of Loro Piana.

According to the retail industry on the 1st, President Kim and CEO Frédéric Arnault toured the Christmas tree—unveiled in collaboration with Loro Piana—and the recently renovated Loro Piana store at the Galleria Luxury Mall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 30th of last month. They then moved to a nearby Benson store, where they enjoyed ice cream and engaged in casual conversation. Photos and videos of the two enjoying ice cream and chatting were also posted on social media.

CEO Frédéric is the fourth son of Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the world’s largest luxury goods group. He has been leading Loro Piana, an Italian luxury brand under the LVMH umbrella, since June of last year.

This meeting has drawn attention because President Kim—who has embarked on independent management through the establishment of a new holding company and a spin-off—engaged directly with a key figure in the global luxury industry. In particular, it offers a glimpse into President Kim’s strong commitment to hands-on management now that he has effectively begun operating independently.

This meeting is expected to lead to expanded exchanges between Hanwha Group and LVMH Group. Benson, which the two visited together, is a brand launched by Hanwha to target the premium ice cream market. The company has recently expanded its business by entering the franchise sector.

A HANWHA GALLERIA official stated, “CEO Frédéric Arnault and President Kim Dong-sun toured the Loro Piana Christmas decorations, created in collaboration with the luxury department store, as well as the recently renovated store,” adding, “They also visited the Benson store, where they sampled ice cream and discussed various pending issues.”