Benoit Gelez has joined Pierre Yves-Rochon’s Paris office as Managing Director, the studio has confirmed.

With over three decades of leadership experience in the realm of luxury architecture and interior design, including several years at agency RDAI and the Jean Paul Gaultier Group, Gelez is familiar with clients and markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. He will be working closely with Amy Jakubowski, the new Managing Director of Pierre Yves-Rochon Chicago, who was previously Managing Director and Design Director of Wilson Associates in Los Angeles and before that a Partner with BBGM in New York.

Gelez succeeds Jean-Marie Heiderscheid, who, after 37 years as Managing Director of PYR Paris, plans to retire this year. Heiderscheid joined PYR in 1985 and has helped lead the firm through some of its most significant and successful projects. He will continue to work part-time for PYR Paris for the next few months, collaborating with Gelez to ensure a seamless transition for its clients, collaborators and project teams.