Top French designer Jean Paul Gaultier has been named head of the board of the eponymous couture and ready-to-wear houses, becoming one of the rare stylists to head his own house.

His company said Tuesday that he was replacing Veronique Gautier - who is no relation - who was appointed to the job in December 2008 and who headed Hermes perfumes.

Gaultier owns 55 percent of the company while 45 percent is in the hands of Hermes.

"It was unexpected but logical economically as he is the majority shareholder," said the former head of the company, Donald Potard, a childhood friend of the designer and currently a luxury consultant.

"I hope it will not be to the detriment of his creativity," he added. "Creation brings enormous stress. Did he need the added stress of management."

Gaultier, who is 58, in May said he was stepping down as artistic director of the luxury ready-to-wear brand Hermes after seven years to concentrate on his own projects.