ABOUT GINZA SAPPHIRE’S FOUNDER,
STEPHANE LAFAY
Stephane Lafay has dedicated more than two decades to building luxury brands in all major Asian countries markets, including Japan, China, Korea, Australasia, and South East Asia. His most recent position was President of Tiffany & Co. Asia.
Prior to his tenure at Tiffany, Stephane Lafay was the President of Christian Dior Japan, leading the brand turnaround to a leadership position. He also previously held tenures as the President of Michael Kors Asia and BVLGARI Japan, where he strengthened brand image and sales, and help tailor global strategies to the unique specificities of local markets.
A native of France, Stephane Lafay holds a degree in Business Administration. He also studied at Beijing Foreign Studies University and completed European Union Executive Training Program (E.T.P) in Japan.
Stephane promotes a lifestyle combining luxury experiences and nature. He is an avid traveler, having visited over 60 countries and all seven continents. He is multilingual, proficient in French, English, and Japanese, with a working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and German.
Throughout his life, he practiced many sports from martial arts to volleyball and golf, and has a real outlasting passion for wild outdoors and fly fishing.
He also has a great interest in history and culture, as well as in fine dining and wine.
Stephane's journey through life has been shaped by a deep appreciation for culture, family, and discovery. He met his Japanese wife in China, and together they’ve raised three children: a doctor pediatrician, an adventurous naturalist/ expedition guide, and a promising young lawyer.
Long before ever setting foot there, Stephane fell in love with Japan—drawn to its people, traditions, and rich history. After years of living across multiple countries, he ultimately chose to make Japan his home, making the best of the 2 worlds, while promoting exchange and friendship between them.
