Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein tapped former Marc Jacobs designer Luella Bartley as its new head of global design. In her new role, Bartley will report to creative director Pieter Mulier and Calvin Klein Jeans Europe president Franck Belochi. Bartley recently served as Marc Jacobs head of women’s ready-to-wear at Marc by Marc Jacobs. Bartley’s extensive apparel experience will strengthen Calvin Klein’s market presence as the brand continues to expand its merchandise and consumer following.
Farfetch
Dame Natalie Massenet was appointed to Farfetch’s board of directors as a non-executive co-chairman of Farfetch. In her new role, Massenet will work with Farfetch founder and executive co-chairman José Neves to expand Farfetch’s market presence in the luxury sector. In 2000, Massenet founded the first luxury fashion online shopping store, Net-A-Porter.com, which stands as one of the most powerful global e-commerce brands today. Massenet also holds other leadership roles, including chairman of the British Fashion Council.
Brioni
Brioni CEO Gianluca Flore resigned from his post on Feb. 28. In November 2014, Flore joined Brioni to take over for Francesco Pesci, who served as the label’s CEO at the time. During his tenure, Flore also appointed former creative director Justin O’Shea, who didn’t have design experience and departed from the label last year. Although Brioni’s parent company, Kering Group, didn’t confirm a successor yet, it is rumored that Agent Provocateur CEO Fabrizio Malverdi may be taking over for Flore in upcoming months.
US Group
US Group announced two new design executives this week. The company appointed Mohsin Sajid and Sadia Rafique to oversee its U.K. design office. Sajid, a highly accomplished denim designer, has an archive of 1,000 vintage garments and holds a degree from Westminster University. Rafique currently heads her own consultancy and serves as Endrime’s art director. Rafique’s photographs have been published in numerous publications, including Denim Boulevard’s The Overall magazine and WGSN.
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J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney announced two new board changes this week.
Debora Plunkett, former senior advisor to the director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), was elected to JC Penney’s board of directors. Plunkett joins J.C. Penney from Maryland University College, where she taught cybersecurity graduate courses. Plunkett also provides cybersecurity consultation services at her firm, Plunkett Associates LLC.
President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines Co. Colleen Barrett will also retire from the Board on May 19, 2017 at the company’s annual meeting of stockholders. Barrett currently chairs the corporate governance committee.
Crocs
Crocs CEO Gregg Ribatt will resign from his position on June 1. Ribatt’s exit follows a tough year for the shoe brand, which reported a 10.5% drop in revenue for the fourth quarter and net losses of $0.60 per share. Due to poor performance, Crocs also said it plans to shutter approximately 160 locations by the end of 2018.
The Bon-Ton Stores
Retail veteran Russ Hardin was hired as Bon-Ton’s VP of creative for print and web. In his new role, Hardin will oversee Bon-Ton’s in-house photo studio and all creative strategies for the retailer’s print and e-commerce campaigns. Hardin recently was the creative director and owner of ChristensenHardin, a branding and consulting firm, which he closed after accepting the Bon-Ton positon. Hardin’s resume also includes previous leadership stints at Hudson’s Bay and Kohl’s.