MILAN — Maison&Objet‘s managing director Mélanie Leroy has resigned.
A source familiar with the situation told WWD that Leroy was ready to move on to “new endeavors” and stepped down from her role in late June.
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 of 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.
Leroy added that women hold a major place in the design professions — 69 percent of all interior architects in the U.S. are women. In France, 50 percent of designers are women. However, “there is still a long way to go in terms of gender representation, with women severely under-represented at major industry awards and celebrations,” Leroy told WWD at the time.
Paris Design Week
Courtesy of Maison&Objet
In June of 2024, the organization revealed that it appointed Nina Magon as its official U.S. ambassador in a strategic move to build U.S. partnerships. Magon is the founder of Nina Magon studio, which is active in the luxury residential, commercial and hospitality worlds.
Leroy joined France’s premier design fair Maison&Objet in March 2023.
Outside of the fair, Leroy worked with Leia Capital in 2022, an angel investor group dedicated to investing in innovative projects led by women.
The next edition of Maison&Objet will take place Sept. 4 to 8.