Christophe Gilabert, General Manager at Anne &Valentin since 2006, has died in a tragic accident caused by an avalanche in the French ski resort of Deux-Alpes. He was 55 years old.
A hommage released by Anne & Valentin described Mr Gilabert’s warm personality and significant contribution to the lives of staff and success of the company.
though his death still has us reeling in shock, we dare remember that he lived well, with purpose, and trust that he is now at peace, amidst the stars
Close with everyone, with his warm personality and his great simplicity, Christophe was a valuable leader and a great friend. He joined the then small Anne & Valentin family in 2006. During twelve years, he helped grow it into what we are today, working meaningfully to the development of our company. He instilled a wild, productive energy and paved the way for our international expansion. His investment and his humanity made him a reliable and solid advisor, both daily and in the wider questions at hand. His experience and his immense ability to transmit had notably allowed for a very fluid transition when Sylvie Jicquel arrived at the head of the Maison in 2017. With an infallible team spirit, he had helped us define the next steps to come. Together, we imagined the new horizons which we have been exploring for the last two years.
At Anne & Valentin, family is at the centre of everything. For some, Christophe has been a mentor, a spiritual father, even. He was spirited, too. In a funny, sarcastic, optimistic and reassuring way. His forthright personality was matched only by his ability to listen and his humanity. Always on the move, he loved to travel. His presence is already painfully missed. We join our grief to that of his two daughters, his wife, and those close to him.
And though his death still has us reeling in shock, we dare remember that he lived well, with purpose, and trust that he is now at peace, amidst the stars.
