Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren hired Patrice Louvet as its new CEO and president, effective July 17, 2017. On this date, Louvet will also be appointed to the company’s Board of Directors. Louvet recently served as group president of global beauty at Procter & Gamble. He succeeds Ralph Lauren’s former president and chief executive, Stefan Larsson, who exited the company this month. Louvet will take over at a pivotal time as the company is in the midst of a turnaround effort.
Burberry
Burberry CEO and chief creative officer Christopher Bailey is changing up his executive responsibilities. On July 4, Bailey will remain chief creative officer and take on the additional role as president, while Marco Gobbetti will take over as Burberry’s new CEO amid a challenging time for the brand. The leadership changeup will enable Bailey to once again focus on the label’s design.
VF Corp.
Arne Arens was appointed to the role of global brand president, The North Face. Arens recently served as the VP and general manager, The North Face, Americas. Since 2010, Arens has led The North Face brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa where he managed marketing, merchandising, direct-to-consumer activities and product development. Before joining VF, Arne held leadership roles at other companies, including Nike.
Net-A-Porter
Luxury e-commerce giant Net-A-Porter tapped Bergdorf Goodman executive Elizabeth von der Goltz as its new global buying director, effective this summer. In her new role, Von der Goltz will oversee the buying strategy across all product categories and sales operations. Von der Goltz recently served as SVP and general merchandise manager as Bergdorf Goodman. Her predecessor, VP of global buying Sarah Rutson, resigned from her post in January.
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Pepe Jeans
Pepe Jeans India hired Sartaj Singh Mehta as its new VP of design. In his new role, Mehta will grow the brand’s current product portfolio. Mehta, who has over 20 years of industry experience under his belt, joins Pepe Jeans India from retail giant ITC Ltd., where he served as creative head and developed seasonal lines at Wills Lifestyle and John Players.
Tiger of Sweden
Tiger of Sweden named Christoffer Lundman as its new head of creative and design, effective June 1. In his role, Lundman will oversee the development of Tiger of Sweden men’s, women’s and jeans lines. The label’s current creative directors will report to Lundman, who will report to the Board of Directors until a new CEO is announced. Lundman was formerly design director at Burberry. His resume includes previous stints at Acne Studios and Tom Ford.
The Mountain
Former SVP of operations at Osprey Packs Kenny Ballard was appointed as The Mountain’s new CEO. In his most recent role, Ballard managed strategic day to day operations and management for the outdoor retail company. Ballard’s resume also includes previous stints at American Recreation Products and Kelty Pack Inc.
Columbia Sportswear
Columbia Sportswear COO and president Bryan Timm is exiting the company. During his 20-year tenure at the company, Timm held numerous leadership roles, including corporate controller, treasurer and CFO. Timm’s responsibilities will be taken over by Columbia Sportswear’s senior management team while the company continues to execute its operating model assessment plan that was initiated earlier this year.
Adidas
Adidas appointed new managing directors for Western Europe and emerging markets. Alain Pourcelot will succeed Gil Steyaert as the new managing director of Western Europe, effective immediately. On Oct. 1, 2017, Martin Shankland will take over as managing director of emerging markets and he will succeed Osman Ayaz, who will retire at the end of the year.
Children’s Place
The Children’s Place hired Pamela B. Wallack as its new global product president. In the newly created role, Wallack will report directly to CEO and president Jane Elfers and oversee the brand’s global merchandising, design and sourcing and production. Wallack’s resume includes previous stints at David’s Bridal and Gap Inc.
Rocky Brands
Rocky Brands announced leadership changes this week. Core Brands president Jason Brooks was promoted to the role of CEO and president and appointed as a Class I Director of the company’s Board of Directors, while current CEO and chairman of the Board Mike Brooks will continue to serve as chairman of the Board.
Buckle
Buckle’s SVP of finance and CFO Karen B. Rhoads is retiring from her role this summer. Rhoads will continue to serve as a member of Buckle’s Board of Directors. Since joining the company in 1980, Rhoads has held various leadership positions, including VP of Finance. The Board of Directors has not determined a successor yet.
Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman announced leadership changes this week. Melissa Lowenkron will succeed Elizabeth Von der Goltz as the new SVP and general merchandise manager and Kenneth Gaston was promoted to the role of VP and general merchandise manager.
Ermenegildo
Michele Norsa was appointed to Ermenegildo Zenga Holditalia SpA’s Board of Directors. Norsa currently serves as a non-executive director of Rocco Forte Hotels and a board member of Oettinger Davidoff AG. In 2016, Norsa left Salvatore Ferragamo SpA after serving as CEO and general manager of the Italian fashion group for 10 years. Norsa’s resume also includes previous stints at Benetton Group and Valentino Fashion Group.