A Future Reimagined

As chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy, Cyrille Vigneron is in charge of the maison's manifold initiatives to drive positive change worldwide. Through empowering future leaders, upholding cultural heritage and supporting ecological initiatives, Cartier is helping to 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 Awards (YLA) 2024 in Singapore on October 15.

This year's YLA, 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 awards ceremony, Vigneron, who transitioned from CEO to chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy on September 1, hinted at the challenge of selecting a single winner. “It was very difficult to choose. They all have amazing stories and propositions,” he said.

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; that wealth of experience will serve him well in this new role.

The maison’s dedication to culture shines through its initiatives, such as the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, which marks its 40th anniversary this year and spans eclectic, multidisciplinary art. Vigneron highlighted its recent eight-year partnership with Triennale Milano, reflecting a shared vision for contemporary culture and artistic creation.

Another initiative, the Métiers d’Art, preserves rare crafts, and is centred around the Maison des Métiers d’Art—Cartier’s hub for artistic craftsmanship—and the Cartier Jewellery Institute.