Leonard A. Lauder Decides Not to Stand for Re-Election to The Estée Lauder Companies Board of Directors
The Estée Lauder Companies announced that Chairman Emeritus Leonard A. Lauder has informed the Company of his decision not to stand for re-election to the Company’s Board of Directors. Leonard Lauder remains Chairman Emeritus of the Company. Pursuant to the stockholders’ agreement among Lauder family members and the Company, Leonard Lauder has the right to designate two directors of the Company. In addition to his son William P. Lauder, who serves as Executive Chairman, Leonard Lauder has designated his son Gary M. Lauder to serve on the Board. The Board has nominated Gary Lauder and will include his name among the nominees for election at the Company’s annual meeting in November. Gary Lauder is the Managing Director of Lauder Partners LLC, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. He has been a venture capitalist since 1985, investing in over 150 private companies. Gary serves on the Board of Governors of Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania; a BS in Economics from the Wharton School; and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Gary has periodically attended the Company’s Board meetings over the years as an invited observer, which has provided him with a long-term view of the Company.
Leonard Lauder formally joined The Estée Lauder Companies in 1958 and served as President from 1972 to 1995 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1982 to 1999. He became Chairman of the Board in 1995 and served in that role through June 2009, until he was appointed Chairman Emeritus for the Company. As Chairman Emeritus, Leonard Lauder provides his advice and counsel on a variety of business topics including brand building, marketing, and understanding the global luxury consumer. He continues to play an active role as “Chief Teaching Officer,” educating leaders throughout the Company with his brand symposiums and through speaking engagements with global employees.
“My father envisioned and helped drive the growth and expansion of our Company from an iconic single brand to the global, brand-building powerhouse it is today. We’ve never wavered from his vision of being a home for the best brands and best people, all of whom are united in delivering high-quality, prestige beauty products and high-touch service and experiences, while maintaining our unique, values-driven culture,” said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman. “It has been an incredible honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from my father over the years. I look forward to continuing to learn from him and know his passion for this industry, this Company, our employees and our consumers is as strong as ever.”
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of the Company my mother and father created over 75 years ago,” said Leonard Lauder. “This Board is one of the best in the business. I feel confident that the Company’s leadership and Board will continue to guide our strategy to deliver long-term growth. Additionally, I continue to believe in the success of our Company through the skillful and thoughtful management by William, Fabrizio, and the entire leadership team. The nomination of Gary to the Board further reflects my family’s long-term stewardship, and our support of the vision, values, and people who will drive the Company’s future success. As Chairman Emeritus of the Company, I’m looking forward to continuing my work as advisor and “Chief Teaching Officer,” serving what I believe to be the best Company in the world.”
“On behalf of the Board, I share my deep admiration and appreciation to Leonard for his invaluable contributions to the Company as an officer and as a member of the Board. He is a visionary whose creative thinking is unmatched in the industry. His innovative insights will continue to serve as inspiration for us all,” said Charlene Barshefsky, the Company’s Presiding Director.
Oddity Appoints Gil Efrati as CEO of SpoiledChild
Oddity, the consumer technology platform behind IL MAKIAGE and SpoiledChild, announced the appointment of Gil Efrati to the role of CEO of SpoiledChild.
As CEO, Efrati will build upon the brand’s explosive multicategory growth and deliver against the objective of becoming the world’s largest wellness brand. Efrati will report to Oddity CEO Oran Holtzman. Efrati brings an outstanding track record and experience in ecommerce. He joins Oddity from Resident, where as CMO Efrati scaled the business to become the world’s largest and most profitable online mattress company. Prior to Resident, Gil spent seven years at Google leading a variety of ecommerce-focused growth teams.
“SpoiledChild is transforming the wellness industry as the most successful online brand launch in history, leveraging the power of Oddity’s 40M+ users, 1B+ data points, and groundbreaking technology platform,” said Oran Holtzman, Oddity’s co-founder and CEO. “I’ve known Gil personally for many years. He’s one of the strongest and most knowledgeable talents that I know in the online arena. His growth mindset and deep ecommerce expertise and experience will allow us to accelerate the brand’s growth and build the future of wellness with SpoiledChild’s powerful momentum. We are thrilled to have him join our team.”
SpoiledChild is a multicategory, prestige wellness brand that is redefining the category through technology, science-backed products, and sustainable design. SpoiledChild is an online-only brand powered by Oddity’s scalable technology platform. Launched in February 2022, the brand has recorded $48 million is gross sales in its first year and is already profitable.
“I am thrilled with the opportunity to lead SpoiledChild,” said Efrati. “I have been following Oddity’s journey since launch and couldn’t be more excited to join this rocket ship. SpoiledChild is a once in a decade brand with strong unit economics and an extremely talented and results-driven team. I plan on supporting the team to help drive the brand to new peaks, on our way to be the largest wellness brand in the world.”
LIM College Names Scott Carnz, Ed.D., as Provost
LIM College, which is exclusively focused on the business of fashion and lifestyle, announced the appointment of Scott Carnz, Ed.D., as Provost.
Carnz, whose appointment was effective August 21, joins LIM from City University of Seattle where he has served as Provost since 2019.
In his new role, Carnz will serve as the chief academic officer of LIM College and will be responsible for establishing and sustaining the highest standards of academic excellence in all teaching, curricular, and academic co-curricular activities. He will be the chief advisor on academic matters to LIM College President Elizabeth S. Marcuse and will lead development of a vision for LIM’s academic future that supports student success, enrollment growth, and student retention.
“Scott is a passionate and creative educational leader with extensive experience in overseeing academic programs ranging from the certificate level to doctoral degrees,” said Marcuse. “We are confident that Scott, working collaboratively with leaders throughout LIM, will ensure alignment of curriculum and industry employer needs while also exploring global opportunities for collaborations that will support our students as they pursue their dream careers,” she added.
As Provost of City University of Seattle, Carnz oversaw more than 50 certificate- and degree-granting programs. Among his key accomplishments were creating an Office of Social Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and establishing a Research Institute to support student and faculty scholarship. He also led efforts to establish a data-informed culture to assess learning outcomes and support student achievement.
“I am excited to join LIM College, which is widely respected for driving outstanding student academic and career outcomes through an immersive style of education that focuses on learning by doing,” said Carnz. “Throughout its nearly 85-year history, LIM has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining relevant curriculum and deep connections with the fashion and lifestyle industries that provide students with exceptional internships and other career-building opportunities. The faculty is devoted to student success and takes a personalized approach to teaching and mentoring. LIM is aligned with my personal belief that higher education can change people’s lives and help create a more just society and equitable world.”
Prior to City University of Seattle, Carnz served in a number of academic leadership roles at The Art Institute of Seattlefrom 1996-2018, ranging from a faculty position to Department Chair, Academic Director, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Interim President, and Dean of Academic Affairs.
Carnz holds a doctorate in Education Leadership from Argosy University in Seattle, a master’s degree in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University in Seattle and a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. He currently serves as a member of the nominations committee and a peer site evaluator for the Northwest Commission on College and Universities, and is a frequent speaker on educational topics and the author of multiple articles on higher education.
VF Corporation Appoints Brent Hyder as Chief People Officer
VF Corporation announced the appointment of Brent Hyder to the position of Chief People Officer, effective September 5. Hyder will report to President and CEO Bracken Darrell and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team.
Hyder joins VF after nearly four years as Chief People Officer at Salesforce. Under his leadership, the company earned top spots on best workplace lists, including Great Place to Work, Fortune, People, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
Before joining Salesforce, Hyder spent almost 30 years in retail, including 15 years at Gap Inc. where he last served as Chief Human Resources Officer responsible for all human resources efforts, communications, security, Gap Inc Foundation, and sustainability worldwide. Previously, he was Global Chief Operating Officer of the Gap brand and led Gap Japan as its Representative Director and General Manager.
Hyder held other operating roles and responsibilities focused on stores and store operations at the Target Corporation, Best Buy, and across Gap Inc. and its multiple brands.
“We’re thrilled to have Brent join the VF team. His proven success in building top-rated employee experiences and high-performance inclusive cultures, combined with his strong global retail management experience, make Brent the ideal people leader for VF,” said Darrell. “Brent shares a deep respect for VF’s incredible brands and a strong desire to build a workplace that attracts, develops, and retains the very best and most diverse talent in service to our consumers.”
As Chief People Officer for VF, Hyder will be responsible for all aspects of the human resources function globally and drive strategies to optimize employee and business success. He will lead best-in-class talent acquisition and management programs focused on developing and retaining VF’s more than 30,000 performance-driven employees.
Hyder offered, “I’m honored and excited to join VF and get back to my love of working in the retail industry. VF is a company that I’ve long admired for its many fundamental strengths – from incredible brands, to talent, to environmental stewardship, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity. I look forward to working with the HR organization and the entire VF team to build and deliver our exciting consumer-focused growth strategy.”
Hyder attended Brigham Young University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Management. He serves on the Board of Directors of Enterprise for Youth, a Bay Area nonprofit that helps under-resourced youth reach their potential through transformative paid internship experiences.
Moschino announced Tiffany Young as House Ambassador
Moschino is thrilled to name singer and actress Tiffany Young as the Italian luxury House’s first Korean celebrity ambassador.
The talented multi-hyphenate film and musical actor, singer, musician debuted as a member of K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation. Now a renowned actor, she will star in several upcoming prominent film productions.
Massimo Ferretti, Chairman of Aeffe S.p.A stated “It is a pleasure to welcome Tiffany Young to the Moschino family. Her bold singular approach to all facets of music, film and fashion align seamlessly with the brand’s design and commitment to timeless excellence”
“I’m honored to be a part of the Moschino family. I cannot wait for this exciting journey with such a storied Italian House” said Tiffany Young.
Tiffany Young is set to star in Moschino’s Fall/Winter 2023 campaign debuting in August, 2023.
Happy Socks Welcomes Alexander Meyer As New CEO
Happy Socks, the original colorful sock brand, announced the appointment of Alexander Meyer as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a successful track record as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in multiple consumer brands and fashion retailers, Meyer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead Happy Socks through their next phase of growth.
Meyer joins Happy Socks most recently from The Bay, Canada’s largest Omni-retailer and North America’s oldest brand. As the newly appointed CEO, Meyer will be responsible for driving the overall strategic vision and growth of Happy Socks. With a diverse career that spans multiple international brands, with equal expertise in Brand, Digital, and International go-to-market execution, Meyer has a proven ability to build powerful connections between brands and consumers, driving innovation and transforming brands for sustainable growth.
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining Happy Socks as its new CEO,” said Meyer. “This iconic brand has always been at the forefront of fashion innovation, and I am excited to lead the talented team as we continue to spread happiness, creativity, and freedom of self-expression to every corner of the world.”
“We are delighted to welcome Alexander to the Happy Socks family,” said Christian Beck, Chairman of the Board at Happy Socks. “His impressive track record in the consumer and fashion industries make him an ideal fit for Happy Socks. I am really looking forward to working with him and am confident his experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue our growth journey.”
Allen Edmonds Launches Latest in Legend Series with Celebrated Fashion Designer Patrick Robinson
Iconic American footwear brand Allen Edmonds , a part of the Caleres brand portfolio, announced its collaboration with celebrated fashion designer Patrick Robinson: Patrick Robinson x Allen Edmonds, launching September 1. This collaboration marks the third installment in the Allen Edmonds Legend Series, which exists to provoke the question: “what is classic now?” For the series, Allen Edmonds works with designers and artists who share the brand’s passion for craft. Each partner applies their artistic touch and aesthetic to create a new generation of classic shoe styles in the Allen Edmonds’ factory in Port Washington, WI.
Patrick Robinson studied the brand’s iconic style, Goodyear welt construction, and the Allen Edmonds tradition of craftsmanship to create a new shoe: The Humble Curiosity Slip-On. This lace-free, easy-on-and-off design is crafted with soft leather or suede upper and boasts a Vibram V-Lite outsole for optimal lightness and durability. Comfortable, soulful, and minimal, every detail signals its effortless style. Patrick Robinson x Allen Edmonds will be the first product he is launching following the announcement of his new venture: AwareMade.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a well-respected figure within the fashion industry that, like us, believes in timelessness and quality,” said David Law, senior vice president and general manager for Allen Edmonds. “Patrick’s reverence for artisanal craftsmanship is an inspiration. We are thrilled to see creative possibility through his lens.”
“Allen Edmonds and I share the purpose of wanting people to experience American artisanship that has gravity,” said Patrick Robinson. “Authenticity and craftsmanship matter; it means being more deliberate and intentional about product. Allen Edmonds will never go out of fashion, which is the ultimate definition of quality and style. “
Dansko Promotes Kitty Bolinger to President
Dansko announced the promotion of Kitty Bolinger to President effective Tuesday, September 5th. Bolinger, currently Dansko’s Executive VP of Sales & Marketing, brings more than 36 years of footwear industry experience in developing emerging and iconic brands. Concurrently, Dansko’s current Chief Executive Officer, Jim Fox, will transition to the newly established role of Executive Chairman.
Fox came to Dansko in 2006 as the company’s CFO. In 2012, Jim successfully transitioned Dansko to 100% employee ownership before eventually succeeding Dansko’s co-founder, Mandy Cabot, as CEO in 2019.
“Jim’s was the steady, guiding hand that led us through both the transition to employee ownership and the uncertainty of the pandemic. We are immensely grateful to Jim for his leadership, his unwavering moral compass, and his continuing commitment to Dansko,” says co-founder Cabot, currently a director on Dansko’s board. “Developing successive generations of leadership has always been a high priority at Dansko, and this transition underscores Dansko’s long-standing, deeply-held commitment to its employees and their careers.”
Bolinger joined Dansko in 2010 as National Sales Manager, and her leadership and understanding of market dynamics paved the way for a series of promotions and increasing responsibilities. Her dedication to both nurturing new relationships and reinforcing established ones has significantly contributed to Dansko’s success.
“Kitty’s exceptional leadership of our Sales & Marketing teams, her extensive industry relationships, and her passion for the Dansko brand make her the ideal President to lead Dansko into the future,” stated Fox. “Kitty is committed to raising the bar on Dansko’s legendary comfort and quality, so I look forward to working with her in our new roles.”
“I am extremely grateful to the Board for their trust in me and for the opportunity to move into this role. Our leadership team is comprised of incredibly talented women who bring a myriad of experience to Dansko and are dedicated to advancing Dansko’s position as a leader in premium comfort footwear. ”
Bolinger now leads an executive team including CFO Jamey Mullin, VP of Design Kelsey Jayne-Gomez, VP of Marketing Christina Sewell, and VP of Sourcing Susan Li.
Javier Ortega To Become Puma’s General Manager Europe
Sports company PUMA has appointed Javier Ortega as General Manager Europe, effective September 1, 2023.
He will be responsible for the areas Central Europe, France, UK & Ireland, Southern Europe and Nordics and report directly to PUMA CEO Arne Freundt.
Javier, who has been with PUMA since 2009 and has worked as the Area General Manager for Southern Europe for the past nine years, succeeds Richard Teyssier, who started his new role as PUMA’s Global Brand & Marketing Director in July.
“During his time as Area General Manager of Southern Europe, Javier has done a great job of elevating the PUMA brand and growing our business substantially in Southern Europe,” said Arne Freundt, PUMA CEO. “In his new job as General Manager Europe, Javier will build on PUMA’s strong momentum in the region, strengthen our position as the best partner for our retailers and align our Go-To-Market activities across the region.”
Esteve Planas will succeed Javier as Area General Manager for Southern Europe. He has held several financial roles at PUMA between 2010 and 2022, including as the CFO of PUMA Spain and PUMA Iberia. In these positions, he helped set PUMA’s successful growth strategy in Southern Europe. He returns to PUMA after working as CFO of Spanish pharmaceutical company Galenicum since the start of 2023.
Mulberry Announced Leslie Serrero as New Non-Executive Director
Mulberry Group announced that, immediately following the conclusion of its Annual General Meeting to be held on 7 September 2023, the board of the Company intends to appoint Ms Leslie Serrero as an additional Independent Non-Executive Director. It is intended that Ms Serrero will also sit on the Audit Committee of the Board.
Ms Serrero has extensive experience of luxury brand leadership. She has been International Managing Director of US luxury group Casa Kosmos Brands Group since October 2022, having previously held senior executive roles at Fendi France (2019-2022), Christian Dior Couture (2012-2019) and Lacoste SA (2009-2012). Prior to this, Ms Serrero was a project leader at Boston Consulting Group for six years, advising companies in the retail, consumer and fashion sectors on transformation and growth strategies.
Ms Serrero has an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is a French national and is based in Paris.
The Company’s Chairman, Chris Roberts said, “Following an extensive independent search, we are extremely pleased that Leslie has agreed to join the Board. With a strategic and analytical mindset, she brings a wealth of knowledge on digital transformation, omni-channel and customer engagement in the luxury sector”.
Ms Serrero said, “Mulberry has a unique brand identity, a compelling strategy and market-leading sustainability credentials. I look forward to working with the team and bringing to bear my experience of facilitating growth strategies, and deep knowledge of the luxury goods industry.”