MILAN — France’s premier design trade show Maison&Objet has been a captain without a ship since last June. On Monday, organizer Safi said it appointed Vincent Lhoste, who was most recently chief executive officer of Kalima Blockchain, its CEO.
Kalima Blockchain provides secure cloud storage solutions for businesses with proof of ownership, through which data is stored with ownership verifiability.
Lhoste also spent nearly 10 years with exhibitions organizer Reed Exhibitions (RX), where he played a key role in the international expansion of the show, overseeing the launch of WTM Latin America in Brazil and WTM Connect Asia in Malaysia.
In a statement, Safi said that these experiences have enabled him to develop deep expertise in business-to-business, international strategy, organizational transformation and the management of innovative projects, particularly in the tech/digital and services sectors.
“With Vincent, we will deepen our client relationships, enrich the experiences we offer, reinforce our international presence and create even greater value for brands, buyers, specifiers and all professional visitors and users,” Safi president Philippe Delhomme said.
Lhoste follows in the footsteps of Safi’s former director, Mélanie Leroy.
Leroy was instrumental in creating a more consumer-driven format for the fair, one that was dedicated to unearthing under-the-radar talent and putting forth cutting-edge trends. Over the last two years Leroy pioneered the first creative and business network of the design industry dedicated to fostering relationships between women. In July 2024, Leroy told WWD that Woman&Design by Maison&Objet was envisaged as a business and creative collective that aims to identify, connect and promote women who are pushing the boundaries of product design, interior decoration, craft and lifestyle. ‘
The upcoming Maison&Objet trade show will take place Jan. 15 to 19 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris.
