John Gerhardt

John Gerhardt (BA’85) will be awarded an honorary doctorate of letters at the 196th encaenia ceremony on the Fredericton campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Gerhardt will be recognized for his remarkable achievements in fashion, branding and creativity. Hailing from Moncton and a UNB alumnus, Gerhardt is one of the world’s most esteemed figures in luxury branding.

As the Global Creative Director for Moët & Hennessy—a key division within LVMH, the world’s largest luxury conglomerate—Gerhardt oversees the creative for a seven billion dollar portfolio and some of the most iconic brands in the luxury industry. His visionary leadership ensures these renowned brands continue to thrive and innovate in a competitive, ever-evolving market.

Gerhardt has achieved extraordinary milestones throughout his career. Time Magazine named him among “The Design 100,” a celebration of the individuals who shape and influence design today. A creative powerhouse, he previously served as the Creative Director for Holt Renfrew, aligning the company’s brand development with cutting-edge creative marketing strategies.

As Senior Vice-President of Branding and Creative for DFS Group, based in Hong Kong and New York, Gerhardt led the transformation of the multibillion-dollar luxury retailer and its 400 stores. His efforts revolutionized their branding while creating groundbreaking marketing collaborations and partnerships with industry giants like Estée Lauder, Tiffany, Burberry, Hermès and Cartier.

His contributions have been widely celebrated. Flare Magazine described him as a “national retail hero.” The Globe and Mail declared him a “fashion guru” while Architectural Digest highlighted and lauded his personal style at his home in Paris.

A defining voice in luxury branding, he has also collaborated with top-tier fashion houses like Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton.

Gerhardt has guest lectured at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), McGill University, McCarthy Tetrault LLP and Verity. He has also served on the board of The Sato Project in New York City and is currently a board member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Gerhardt embodies a spirit of leadership and innovation, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of creatives and industry leaders.