Clarks Announced Bob Neville new Managing Director for the UK & ROI
Clark’s announced the appointment of Bob Neville as our their Managing Director for the UK & Ireland. Neville has vast global retail experience and is a knowledgeable global business leader with a proven track record of driving growth and leading profitable businesses.
Neville previously worked for Under Armour, most recently serving as Global Vice President of Retail. Based in Hong Kong for 30 years, Neville also held senior leadership roles at New Balance and Adidas.
Jon Ram, Clarks CEO said: “Bob brings significant global retail and brand creative experience to Clarks. He builds great teams and empowers them to create exceptional consumer experiences. As we look to build on our recent good company performance, he will play a leading role in delivering our strategic goals and growing our business in the UK & ROI.”
Speaking of his appointment, Bob Neville said: “I’m excited to be coming back to England and joining Clarks as Managing Director – UK and ROI. It’s an iconic brand, known the world over for its innovation, expertise and craftsmanship. I’m really looking forward to getting started, growing the brand, increasing our retail presence, and most importantly, to continue delivering Clarks’ customers the best experience possible.”
Robert Liptak Parted Ways with L.A. Brand RTA
Robert Liptak, former designer at Tom Ford, and most recently creative director of the Los Angeles-based brand RTA, departs RTA.
“The decision to stop with Robert Liptak is first and foremost linked to the current economic climate,” said David Rimokh, CEO and founder of the RTA brand. “Liptak remains a talented creative director, but the current negative market results, the reaction of retailers whose budgets are being cut by 40%, their unwillingness to invest in a new vision, all this combined with our customers’ tremendous demand to return to basic products, forced me to react. I remain optimistic about the brand’s future but there are factors I can’t control.”
Amanda Rajkumar, Executive Board Member Global Human Resources, People and Culture to Step Down from Adidas Executive Board
Amanda Rajkumar, Executive Board member and Labor Director of adidas AG, responsible for Global Human Resources, People and Culture, has informed adidas AG’s Supervisory Board that she will not extend her Executive Board mandate beyond December 31, 2023. The Supervisory Board has accepted her decision and agreed on the termination of her appointment as an Executive Board member effective July 15, 2023.
Thomas Rabe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of adidas AG, said: “On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Amanda for her outstanding contribution. Under her leadership, we made great progress in fostering a deeper culture of inclusion and creating better leadership accountability. In a period of transition for the company, Amanda put our people at the center of her work and ensured that adidas continuously obtained top positions in employer rankings around the world. With the professionalization of the HR function over the last years, overall employee engagement has increased. We accept Amanda’s resignation with respect for her achievements and wish her all the best for her future endeavors.”
Amanda Rajkumar said: “I would like to thank the Board and my colleagues for what have been very inspiring years at adidas. I am proud of what we have achieved, and I wish Bjørn, my colleagues in the Board, and above all, my team, all the best as they continue to successfully transform this iconic company.”
Following a distinguished career spanning 28 years of human resources experience in global organizations, Amanda Rajkumar joined the adidas board as Head of Global Human Resources, People and Culture at the beginning of 2021. At adidas, she devised and implemented a People strategy aimed at efficiently harmonizing and unifying employee experience across the company and establishing adidas as a global values-led organization.
Michelle Robertson, SVP Workplaces & Global Functions at adidas, will assume responsibility for Global Human Resources, People and Culture on an interim basis, reporting to adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden.
Avery Baker Steps Down from Tommy Hilfiger as President and Chief Brand Officer
President and Chief Brand Officer of Tommy Hilfiger since 2020, Avery Baker stated via LinkedIn, “After a great deal of soul searching, I have decided it is time to end my journey with Tommy Hilfiger after 24 years to start a new chapter in my life.
When Martijn asked me to partner with him in 2020 to build the next era of the brand, we knew we would have to navigate some challenging times to lead the brand and the business through the pandemic and its aftermath. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and proud of the work we have done to transform the company and create new foundations for the future.
My experiences at Tommy have had a lasting impact on me professionally and personally. I am incredibly thankful to have contributed to the extraordinary growth and expansion of this iconic global brand, and for the incredible memories we have created together along the way.
But it is the spirit of the people at Tommy Hilfiger that will remain with me always; it has been an honor and privilege to partner with so many amazingly talented individuals during my journey. Your commitment, your determined optimism, your heart and humanity have inspired me every single day.
I’d like to extend a special thank you to Tommy – having you as a mentor and role model since my start has been an absolute gift. And to my global brand leadership team for your support and partnership.
Tommy Hilfiger’s best days lie ahead. I wish our people and the company the absolute best as you guide this amazing brand into the future.”
Alsara SA appoints Shahzad Akhtar as Group CEO
Alsara SA appoints Shahzad Akhtar as Group CEO of Alsara Strategic Investments from July 2023. With the aim of accelerating the brands in the Group’s portfolio, including Akoni, Khrisjoy, Flyroom, Bidayat, Fromm, Azza Fahmy, Okhtein, and preparing the launch of Walter Albini; Alsara SA announced that Shahzad Akhtar has been appointed CEO of Alsara Strategic Investments. Shahzad Akhtar, an accomplished business leader and experienced brand builder, will assume responsibilities starting July 2023.
Coupled with an extensive knowledge of marketing and global strategy, Shahzad Akhtar has led several business units to sustained profitable growth. Shahzad Akhtar is an accomplished business leader who has a track record of delivering growth and multiplying profits in the most complex and challenging market settings.
“Shahzad Akhtar, with his considerable experience in brand building and leading businesses will be able to work with the brand teams to drive an ambitious agenda on the existing portfolio of brands and lay the foundations for further acquisitions”, reports Group Founder and Chairman, Rachid Mohamed Rachid.
Shahzad completed his MBA at INSEAD in France. He started his career as a consultant with Accenture and having risen rapidly through global commercial organizations such as Unilever and Whirlpool, has advised senior leadership of global companies.
“Alsara offers an exciting opportunity to build the next generation of luxury brands on the pillars of talent, great products and innovation”, said Shahzad Akhtar.
Moschino Announced Esther Yu House Ambassador
A new era of Moschino unfolds with their newest ambassador Esther Yu, Chinese actress and singer, who stars in the house’s latest Pre-Fall ’23 campaign.
Ferragamo Announced Resignation of Chief Financial Officer Alessandro Corsi
Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. announced that Mr. Alessandro Corsi, Company’s CFO and Manager responsible for preparing financial reports, resigned and will terminate his employment agreement with the Company on September 30, 2023 to take on a new professional challenge.
“The Company expresses its deepest thanks to Mr. Alessandro Corsi for his professional contribution during these years of collaboration and wishes Mr. Alessandro Corsi all the best for his professional future.”
Since January 2019 Corsi served as Chief Financial Officer of Salvatore Ferragamo Group. Corsi was originally joined Salvatore Ferragamo in 2003 as Group Financial Controller and served several roles prior to his position as CFO.
Under Armour Announces Changes To Executive Leadership Team
Under Armour, Inc. announced a series of senior executive leadership team changes supporting the company’s Protect This House 3 (PTH3) strategy. PTH3, announced in May, is a new set of priorities designed to drive more consistent profitable growth and returns for shareholders over the long term. PTH3 focuses on driving greater global brand heat and delivering elevated design and products to reaccelerate growth in the United States while maintaining positive international momentum.
As a part of these changes, Under Armour has appointed Jim Dausch as Executive Vice President, Chief Consumer Officer, effective July 24, and promoted Danny Miles to Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer. The company also announced that Chief Operating Officer Colin Browne plans to step down later this autumn, and Chief Product Officer Lisa Collier will leave the company in August to pursue other opportunities.
“As we continue strengthening our foundation to transform Under Armour faster by driving sharper focus and execution against PTH3, we are delighted to welcome Jim Dausch to our executive leadership team,” said Under Armour President & CEO Stephanie Linnartz. “Jim is a seasoned executive with deep experience leading transformational initiatives, including digital expansion, global loyalty programs, and launching new businesses and brands – I am confident that his world-class leadership will help unify our team of extremely talented teammates to help drive the next phase of our growth.”
As Chief Consumer Officer, Dausch will lead the company’s global brand, marketing, digital engagement, and customer experience across all commerce channels. He will report directly to CEO Stephanie Linnartz. Dausch joins Under Armour from Marriott International, Inc., where he currently serves as Global Chief Product and Digital Officer, leading the company’s direct digital channels and its most significant business transformation initiative; a multi-year program to modernize the company’s technology ecosystem to create a better customer experience and drive more revenue. In his more than 20 years at Marriott, Dausch has held positions across multiple disciplines, including Sales & Marketing, Brand, Corporate Finance, Operations, and Franchising.
Under Armour’s Chief Operating Officer, Colin Browne will step down from his role this autumn to pursue other opportunities. Browne joined the company in 2016 and helped modernize Under Armour’s digital go-to-market strategy and direct-to-consumer model and transformed its supply chain organization, leading to significant margin improvement and operating efficiency. Browne was interim Chief Executive Officer from June 2022through February 2023.
“I would like to thank Colin for his leadership at Under Armour and his partnership in helping lay out the foundations of PTH3,” said Stephanie Linnartz. “Colin has played an integral role in Under Armour’s transformation, and his leadership, among other things, played a critical role in navigating significant supply chain challenges during the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
Instead of a COO replacement, the company has initiated a search for a Chief Supply Chain Officer.
Additionally, the company announced that Danny Miles had been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, reporting directly to Linnartz. Miles joined Under Armour in 2021 and leads the company’s global IT teams, information security, enterprise data management & analytics, enterprise architecture, technology management & operations, corporate teammate services, enterprise applications, and digital storefront functions.
Lisa Collier, who has served as Under Armour’s Chief Product Officer since 2020, plans to leave Under Armour in August to pursue other opportunities. The company has initiated an external search for a new Chief Product Officer.
Linnartz continued, “On behalf of all of the teammates at Under Armour, we wish Lisa the best in her future endeavors. We look forward to continue building, evolving, and enhancing our product lineup based on the foundations she helped establish.”
Effective July 3, Dan Leraris, Under Armour’s Head of Apparel, will begin serving as the company’s interim CPO.
Carlos Alcaraz announced New House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton
Carlos Alcaraz is the latest ambassador for Louis Vuitton. “Capturing global audiences with his charisma, passion, and talent, the Maison is pleased to announce that the Spanish world-renowned tennis champion is joining as a new House Ambassador.”
Alcaraz is a Spanish professional tennis player ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals.
Nikki Ogunnaike Appointed Editor In Chief, Marie Claire US
Future announced that Nikki Ogunnaike has been appointed as the new Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US. Starting in the role on August 8th. Ogunnaike will report to Hillary Kerr, Chief Content Officer, Who What Wear and Marie Claire, and will lead the strategy for all editorial aspects of Marie Claire including print, digital, experiential, and social.
“Nikki is an absolute visionary, with a distinct point of view, peerless taste and unparalleled experience,” said Hillary Kerr, Chief Content Officer, Who What Wear and Marie Claire. “To see her lead this historic brand into a new era and continue to grow Future’s Women’s Network, is unquestionably exciting.”
Ogunnaike joins Marie Claire from Harper’s Bazaar, where she was the Senior Digital Director overseeing all digital and social platforms. She is one of the most prominent and influential women in fashion media today. With more than a decade of experience, she has built her career covering the culture of fashion and style for titles such as InStyle, Glamour, ELLE and GQ.
“For nearly 30 years, Marie Claire has been the go-to source for women who seek to lead a life of purpose and power,” said Nikki Ogunnaike. “As a long-time admirer, I’m thrilled to join the Marie Claire team and lead this brand into a new era. Women who are passionate about their careers, personal style, and the world around them will find a new destination that speaks to their entire identity. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter!”
Ogunnaike’s priorities in her new role will include, bringing her innovative and directional perspective to Marie Claire’s content strategy, expanding the brand’s fashion and luxury coverage across all platforms, and continuing to attract a diversified audience of influential women.
The hire of Ogunnaike is one of many strategic initiatives underway at Future’s fashion and beauty portfolio. Future’s foray into women’s lifestyle has been steadily growing in recent years, reaching over 1 in 3 women online in the U.S.
Continuing to leverage the expertise of Future’s fashion brands, Shayna Kossove, Commercial President of the Fashion, Beauty, and Homes revenue team will take on an expanded role leading Future’s branded content studio.