Former President and COO of Chanel Arie Kopelman has sadly passed away. He died on Monday 7th October 2024 at the age of 86 surrounded by his beloved family. The circumstances surrounding the actual cause of Arie Kopelman’s death has not been revealed at the time this report was made.
Born to Jewish parents, Frank and Ruth Kopelman, his upbringing was steeped in a rich academic environment. His father, Frank Kopelman, a Harvard Law School graduate, made history as the youngest judge ever appointed in Massachusetts, exemplifying a legacy of achievement that would influence his sons.
Kopelman and his twin brother, David, grew up in a household where intellectual rigor was celebrated. David would also follow in their father’s legal footsteps, earning degrees from Harvard and ultimately becoming a judge. This legal lineage instilled in Kopelman a deep appreciation for the power of education and professionalism.
Kopelman’s academic journey began at The Boston Latin School, followed by the prestigious Williston Northampton School. He furthered his education at Johns Hopkins University, where he completed his undergraduate studies before pursuing an MBA from Columbia Business School. This combination of a liberal arts education and business acumen positioned him well for the corporate world.
His professional career kicked off at Procter & Gamble, where he entered their training program at the headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over three years, he honed his skills in brand management and marketing, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Seeking new challenges, he transitioned to Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB Worldwide), an advertising firm that would become synonymous with creative brilliance in marketing.
At DDB, Kopelman excelled, rising through the ranks over two decades to ultimately become Vice Chairman and General Manager. His tenure was marked by innovative advertising campaigns, including those for the iconic luxury brand Chanel. Through this work, he developed a close relationship with Chanel’s owners, Alain and Gérard Wertheimer.
In 1985, this relationship culminated in Kopelman being appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer of Chanel Inc. at their New York City headquarters. This role not only leveraged his extensive marketing expertise but also allowed him to shape the brand’s narrative in a competitive luxury market. His unique insights from years of advertising experience positioned him to elevate Chanel’s brand identity, marrying creativity with strategic business initiatives.