The Veteran Fashion Exec Joins as the House Continues Its American Retail Expansion
Akris has appointed Jimmy Yeh as the new CEO of the Americas. Yeh takes over the leadership role from Peter Herink, who served as CEO since 2014. As Akris continues to expand its presence in the Americas, Yeh’s extensive retail experience is seen as a key asset in steering the brand’s growth in the region.
The house has ambitious plans, including the opening of a new flagship store on Chicago’s prestigious Oak Street, with additional flagships and concessions to follow later this year. Akris will also intensify its marketing efforts and digital presence under Yeh’s guidance. Based in New York, Yeh will report directly to Melissa Beste, Global CEO of Akris.
Yeh brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, most recently serving as Head of Retail at Dolce & Gabbana. His career also includes leadership positions at Chanel and Louis Vuitton, making him a seasoned veteran in the luxury fashion industry. “I’m honored and excited to join Akris as CEO for the Americas. Together, we will continue to celebrate the brand‘s rich heritage while driving innovation and growth. I look forward to this new chapter and the journey ahead,” Yeh said.
Founded in 1922 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Akris is renowned for its sleek, effortless collections, which are currently designed by creative director Albert Kriemler. The brand is particularly known for its rarefied double-face fabrics, St. Gallen embroidery, and pioneering digital photo printing techniques.
Since 2004, Kriemler has been presenting his collections at Paris Fashion Week, solidifying Akris’s position on the global fashion stage. The brand operates subsidiaries in Japan, the United States, and Korea, with boutiques in major cities worldwide and a presence in over 300 selected points of distribution.
