Ascena Retail Group
Ascena Retail Group tapped Eric Hunter as the new president of its Plus Fashion segment. In his new role, Hunter will lead business initiatives for the company’s Plus Fashion segment which includes the Cacique, Catherines and Lane Bryant brands. Hunter, who has more than 20 years of experience under his belt, joins Ascena Retail Group from Pier 1 Imports, Inc., where he recently served as EVP of marketing. His resume also includes previous stints at Kellwood Company and JC Penney.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue president Marc Metrick is assuming leadership responsibilities for Gilt and Saks Off Fifth. Metrick’s expanded role is part of the retailer’s ongoing luxury retailing strategy, as it seeks to elevate business performance. Metrick has held other leadership roles at HBC and Saks Fifth Avenue, including CMO and chief strategy officer. Additionally, Jonathan Greller, president of Saks Off Fifth, Gild and Find @ Lord & Taylor, announced that he will leave his post on Jan. 12.
Debenhams
Debenhams named Richard Jones as its new global sourcing trading director. Jones joins Debenhams from Target Australia, where he recently served as the company’s merchandise trading director.
Marimekko
Marimekko appointed Satu Maaranen as the new head designer of ready-to-wear, accessories and bags. Maaranen is an award winning designer who has worked for many global brands, including the Chinese Exception de Mixmind and Petit Bateau of France. Since 2010, Marranen has designed clothes for Marimekko and she also previously co-founded Pre Helsinki, an organization for Finnish fashion designers.
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Belstaff
Belstaff announced executive changes this week.
Helen Wright was named as Belstaff’s new CEO. Wright’s resume includes previous stints at Anya Hindmarch, Fendi and Ralph Lauren. She succeeds former CEO Gavin Haig.
Belstaff appointed Robin Hutson as its non-executive chairman and Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm Management model agency, was named to Belstaff’s board of directors.
Pronovias
Pronovias named Amandine Ohayon as its new CEO, effective March 1. Ohayon, a seasoned luxury veteran, most recently served as L’Oréal Luxe managing director of Ireland and the U.K. She will succeed outgoing CEO Andres Tejero.
M&S
M&S named Humphrey Singer as its new chief financial officer. Humphrey, who currently serves as group finance director at Dixons Carphone, will assume his new role in the near future. Since 2014, Humphrey has held his current role at Dixons Carphone and also held previous leadership roles at the company, including group finance director. He will succeed CFO Helen Weir, who announced that she is leaving the company to pursue other career interests.
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack president Karen McKibbin is retiring from her role in March. Over the past 30 years, McKibbin has held several leadership roles in the company, including president of Nordstrom Canada. During her tenure at Nordstrom, McKibbin was instrumental to the international expansion of the company’s full line brick-and-mortar stores. Nordstrom chief innovation officer Geevy Thomas will succeed McKibbin.
Columbia Sportswear
Columbia Sportswear hired Ethan Pochman as its new VP of marketing. In his new role, Pochman will oversee the development of the company’s global consumer marketing programs. Pochman joins Columbia Sportswear from wellness consumer products company Performance Health, where he held several leadership roles including VP of sales and marketing and VP of global marketing.
Diebold Nixdorf
Diebold Nixdorf named Mark S. Brewer as its new SVP and managing director, global retail. In his new role, Brewer will manage the company’s retail connected commerce strategy and operations. Brewer joins Diebold Nixdorf from DXC Technology, where he most recently served as the company’s global VP of enterprise and cloud solutions. Prior to his tenure at DXC Technology, Brewer held several leadership roles at IBM, including VP of North American retail, consumer packaged goods, travel and transportation industries.