Elise Gonnet-PonManaging Director L’ECOLE Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels

Élise was educated in France and holds Master of Science in Management from ESSEC, one of France’s top leading Business Schools, where she specialized in Luxury Brand Management. She is also a graduate Gemologist.

After some overseas experiences in Japan and Thailand as a student, Élise embarked on her professional career with Van Cleef & Arpels Place Vendôme, Paris in 2002, where she built her strong Jewelry knowledge and expertise. In 2010, she was appointed as the Deputy Director of International Jewelry Marketing Division, supervising the overall strategic development of the department.

Drawing on the Maison’s rich heritage and strong identity, Élise worked very closely with the creative studios, heritage department, stones experts, and workshop “Mains d’Or™” craftsmen to develop Van Cleef & Arpels’ contemporary Jewelry collections.

Élise moved to Singapore and became the Managing Director of Van Cleef & Arpels South East Asia. During the 6 years, Maison’s two new markets Thailand and Australia were opened under her guidance and leadership. Élise continuously conveys the values of excellence and French craftsmanship to further develop the Maison as the reference of High Jewelry in the South East Asia and Australia regions.

She is fluent in French, English, Japanese and German. In her spare time, Élise enjoys ballet, opera, arts, wine tasting and gastronomy. As the Managing Director of L’École, School of Jewelry Arts, Asia Pacific, Élise will continue the mission to transmit the jewelry culture to a large varied audience via the three pillars: Savoir-Faire, the Art History of Jewelry and the World of Gems. Her expertise in jewels, personal attributes in Art & Culture, and her experience in Asia are all impeccable values to leading the new team in Hong Kong.