“ The tax gap between French and European companies remains considerable, at 130 billion euros ! “, says Philippe d’Ornano, President of Sisley. A few days before the 2025 budgetWith a host of taxes set to weigh heavily on businesses, the head of the French high-end cosmetics and fragrance giant shares his concerns. “ We fear that these tax increases will put the brakes on the policy of competitive realignment undertaken in recent years by the executive to reindustrialize our country. It should be remembered that, in reality, companies contribute more than before through tax revenue, by creating activity and jobs. “says the CEO, guest on Sunday’s “Esprit d’entreprise” program on Figaro TV.

The group, which generates sales of 900 million euros, has in the past counted Michel Barnier, now Prime Minister, on its supervisory board. In an unstable economic climate, Sisley’s chairman, who is also co-chairman of the Mouvement des entreprises de taille intermédiaire (Meti), observes “ bankruptcies have doubled in recent months “. “ There is a worrying increase in sales of large ETIs to foreign funds and companies “he notes.

50 million euro package

Despite these uncertainties, Sisley continues to invest in France. A 50 million euro budget will be used to double the size of its research and administrative center in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône, “ with 300 jobs at stake “. “ We are also building a second production plant in Vendôme by 2027, explains the manager. It should help us build our development for the next fifteen years. “ “ Family-run businesses like Sisley embody this idea of the long term and continue to invest, even in times of crisis. “he continues.

France remains the world’s leading cosmetics exporter. Does Philippe d’Ornano fear one day finding himself at the heart of the trade war between Europe, China and the United States, as was the case for cognac ? “ Over the past six years, certain countries have become more closed… The world would lose out collectively if we followed this path… “he replies. Sisley, which achieves 50% of its sales in Asia, is experiencing for the first year a “ very slight decrease “ in China. “ In addition, we are seeing a decline in Chinese tourism, which has had an impact on the cosmetics sector. “, he explains.

The “Sephora Kids” phenomenon

When asked about the “Sephora Kids” phenomenonPhilippe d’Ornano calls for caution with regard to the “Sephora Kids” phenomenon, in which very young children take part in social networking events using adult cosmetics. “ There are products for every age group. What we need to do is sell the right products to the right people, by investing in the expertise of point-of-sale salespeople. “

In March, Sisley launched the Nauraé skincare brand, after ten years of research.. “ Nauraé relies on major technological revolutions ! It calls on neuroscience to reharmonize facial features through our emotions. We’re the first brand to work on these neuroactives, and we’re able to measure cosmetic results clearly. “ A few years earlier, Sisley launched its Hair Rituel hair care line.

With 5000 employees and a presence in 110 countries, Philippe d’Ornano and his sister Christine run the company founded by their parents, Isabelle and Hubert, in 1976. A legacy with meaning. “ The family structure is great, because it allows long-term capitalism that contributes something to society. “concludes Philippe d’Ornano.