A Future Reimagined

Cyrille Vigneron, chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy, on how its manifold initiatives drive positive change worldwide and help build a better tomorrow

- Nafeesa Saini

“We are here to celebrate entrepreneurs who are building businesses that can make [the world] better,” said Cyrille Vigneron, chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy, in a keynote speech during the Red Club x Cartier Young Leader Award (YLA) 2024 awards ceremony held in Singapore this October 15.

This year’s YLA, now into its third edition, marks a first with the announcement of two joint winners, Didi Gan and Suraj Nandakumar, both recognised by the jury board and Red Club x Cartier for their remarkable contributions to sustainability and social impact through technology-driven solutions. Speaking to Tatler just hours before the event, Vigneron, who transitioned from the CEO of Cartier to the chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy this September 1, hints at the challenge of selecting a single winner. “It was very difficult to choose. They all have amazing stories and propositions,” he says.

He would know. As Cartier’s CEO for eight years, Vigneron oversaw diverse initiatives under the maison’s multifaceted cultural and philanthropic arm focused on sustainable impact. Among them are those dedicated to culture, including the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, and spans eclectic and multidisciplinary art. In particular, Vigneron highlights its eight-year partnership with Triennale Milano that began in 2020, reflecting a shared vision for contemporary culture and artistic creation.