LEADERS

The Latest Appointments: Harry Winston, Dunhill & Audemars Piguet

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Sophie Doran

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Credit: This is the featured image credit

Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert to take one year off, as Thierry Andretta exits Lanvin and Dr. Ulrich Bez prepares to step down from Aston Martin

Over the last decade, collaborations between luxury brands and contemporary artists have gone beyond mere artistic partnerships towards a new kind of luxury branding.

PARIS – Art and fashion have always developed side by side, for fashion, like art, often gives visual expression to the cultural zeitgeist. During the 1920s, Salvador Dalí created dresses for Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiapparelli. In the 1930s, Ferragamo’s shoes commissioned designs for advertisements from Futurist painter Lucio Venna, while Gianni Versace commissioned works from artists such as Alighiero Boetti and Roy Lichtenstein for the launch of his collections. Yves Saint Laurent’s vast art collection, recently auctioned at Christie’s in Paris, testified to his great love of art and revealed the influence of a variety of artists on his own designs.

In the 1980s, relationships between luxury brands and artists were advanced when Alain Dominique Perrin created the Fondation Cartier. In the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, a book marking the foundation’s 20th anniversary, Perrin says he makes “a connection between all the different sorts of arts, and luxury goods are a kind of art. Luxury goods are handicrafts of art, applied art.”

The Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemparain building in Paris

Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert to take one year off, as Thierry Andretta exits Lanvin and Dr. Ulrich Bez prepares to step down from Aston Martin

Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert to take one year off, as Thierry Andretta exits Lanvin and Dr. Ulrich Bez prepares to step down from Aston Martin.

In a string of recent executive movements at Richemont, Marty Wikstrom has resigned as chief executive of its fashion and accessories businesses, where she has served since 2009.

The announcement came as Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert announced that he will take a year off from September 2013, leaving the luxury group in the hands of recently-named joint chief executives Bernard Fornas and Richard Lepeu.

Meanwhile at Lanvin, Thierry Andretta has abruptly left as managing director after failing to agree on the French brand’s growth strategy with its controlling shareholder, Taiwanese media magnate Shaw-Lan Wang. Mr. Andretta had served at Lanvin for four-years and is credited with doubling the brand’s sales to €236 million.

“ Thierry Andretta has abruptly left as managing director of Lanvin after failing to agree on the brand’s growth strategy ”

Dr. Ulrich Bez has confirmed he will step down as CEO and take a more “ambassadorial” role at the luxury automaker. Dr. Bez was appointed as CEO of Aston Martin under Ford ownership, and stayed on even after Ford spun it out to private investors in 2007. He will officially retire during European summer after a successor has been announced.

Finally, Joseph Wan, the long-time group chief executive officer of Harvey Nichols, is said to be stepping down as the UK department store searches for a successor. Harvey Nichols has refused to comment, though headhunters have already been hired to find Mr. Wan’s successor, according to a separate industry source.

During the Nineties and the Aughts, Mr. Wan oversaw the brand’s expansion into catering and the store’s retail expansion into more U.K. cities, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Indonesia and Turkey.

Xavier Nolot, CEO Americas, Audemars Piguet

Xavier Nolot as CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, where he will be responsible for all financial, operational, sales and marketing functions for the brand in North America. Nolot began his career with Audemars Piguet in 2003 and will continue to advise the Group in the development of the South American Market.

Source: IWM Magazine

Daniela Riccardi, CEO, Baccarat

Baccarat has appointed Daniela Riccardi as CEO, effective June 3. Ms. Riccardi most recently served as CEO at Diesel, after serving 25 years at Procter & Gamble. At Baccarat, she succeeds Markus Lampe, who is leaving the position to pursue another – as-yet-unknown – opportunity.

Source: Pambianco News

Nicola Formichetti, Artistic Director, Diesel

Less than 48 hours after announcing his departure from Mulger, Nicola Formichetti was confirmed as the new artistic director at Diesel. In his new role, Formichetti will oversee all creative activities of the Diesel mainline, including all areas of product communication and interior design.

Source: Fashion United

Fabrizio Cardinali, CEO, Dunhill

Fabrizio Cardinali will take over from Eraldo Poletto as CEO of Dunhill on June 1. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Cardinali was CEO of Lancel, which he joined from Dolce and Gabbana. Lancel’s chief operating officer, Gianni Serrazi, will act as CEO until a permanent replacement for Mr. Cardinali is named.

Source: Business of Fashion

Charles Ray Thomas Jr., Director, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne

The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne has announced the appointment of Dr Charles Ray Thomas Jr. as Director of the full-time Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration (EMBA). In his new role, Dr Thomas will oversee all aspects of the EMBA programme and further develop the quality and reputation of the programme.

Source: Hospitality.net

Danielle Sherman, Creative Director, Edun

Danielle Sherman has replaced the former creative director of Edun, Sharon Wauchob. Previously, Ms. Sherman worked as the design director of the men’s and women’s lines for T by Alexander Wang, and before that she was the design director of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s line The Row.

Source: Popsugar

Pia Tonna, Head of PR, Faberge

Fabergé has announced the appointment of Pia Tonna as director of marketing and communications with immediate effect. Ms. Tonna has previously held director roles for marketing and communication at Chanel Corporation, Gemfields, Paul Smith and her own company, Piatonna.

Source: Professional Jeweller

Marco Vigano, President Russia, Gucci

Marco Vigano has been appointed president of Gucci’s operations in Russia, to oversee the development of Gucci in Russia and CIS, as the brand prepares for direct operations. Marco Vigano joins from Louis Vuitton, where he held the position of General Manager Russia & Ukraine.

Source: CPP Luxury

Nayla Hayek, CEO, Harry Winston

Following the resignation of Frédéric de Narp, after Harry Winston’s acquisition by The Swatch Group, Nayla Hayek has been appointed CEO with immediate effect. The daughter of Swatch co-founder Nicolas Hayek and sister of CEO Nick Hayek Jr., was already chairwoman of Harry Winston, a role she took when Swatch acquired the jeweller in March 2013.

Source: Bloomberg

Katherine Melchior-Ray, VP Luxury Brands, Hyatt Hotels

In this newly created role, Katherine Melchior-Ray will lead the development of the brand experience and marketing strategy for Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt Hotels. Ms. Melchior-Ray has 20 years of experience building luxury and fashion brands internationally, most recently as executive director of strategic planning at Gucci in Japan.

Source: Hospitality Net

Daniel Kirchert, MD, Infiniti China

Nissan has appointed Daniel Kirchert as Infiniti’s managing director in China effective May 1. The former BMW executive takes over from Allen Lu, charged with expanding production and dealerships in the Chinese region, the world’s biggest auto market.

Source: Reuters

Nicolas Hieronimus, President, L’Oreal Selective Divisions

Nicolas Hieronimus has been appointed as president of all the company’s selective divisions, including luxury, active cosmetics, professional products and The Body Shop. Mr. Hieronimus has been with L’Oreal for over 20 years and launched the Garnier brand in the UK, and the L’Oreal Paris brand in Mexico.

Cosmetics Design Europe

Xavier Vey, President, Lancôme

Xavier Vey has been appointed president of New York-based Lancôme US, replacing Serge Jureidini who left in February to become president and chief executive officer of Arcade Marketing. Mr. Vey was formerly a General Manager at L’Oréal’s Luxury Division in France.

Source: WWD

Jérôme Lambert, CEO, Montblanc

Mr Jérôme Lambert, current CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre has been appointed as CEO of Montblanc, effective July 1st 2013. Mr Lambert will remain a member of the group management committee. Mr Lutz Bethge, currently CEO of Montblanc International, will be appointed as non-executive chairman and head of supervisory board of Montblanc.

Source: World Tempus

Michael Wale, President of Europe, Africa & Middle East, Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Michael Wale, a 35-year Starwood veteran who most recently served as SVP and director of operations for Western Europe, as President of Europe, Africa & Middle East (EAME). Mr. Wale succeeds Roeland Vos who served more than 30 years with the company.

Source: Market Wire

Stéphane Linder, CEO, TAG Heuer

Stéphane Linder has been appointed CEO of TAG Heuer effective June 1st 2013. Mr. Linder, who is currently Vice President of Sales North America for TAG Heuer, is taking over from Jean-Christophe Babin, who has served the LVMH subsidiary since 2000 when he joined as CEO.

Source: Fort Mill Times

Marc Jacheet, President France, Tiffany & Co

This week, Tiffany & Co. appointed its new president for France and Benelux. Marc Jacheet will be responsible for the 2014 opening of the new 1000 square-metre Tiffany & Co. store on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Before arriving at Tiffany, Marc Jacheet had held the position of head of communications at Louis Vuitton Europe and at Moët & Chandon.

Source: Pambianco News

Alain Bernard , CEO Americas, Van Cleef et Arpels

Van Cleef et Arpels has appointed Alain Bernard president and CEO of its Americas division, to be based in New York. Since 2010, Bernard has served as president and CEO for the Japan region. He came to Van Cleef et Arpels from fellow Richemont Group brand Cartier.

Source: JCK Online

Jonathan Sinclair, COO, Vertu

Luxury mobile phone manufacturer Vertu has announced the appointment of Jonathan Sinclair as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Sinclair joins from Jimmy Choo where he has worked in the same role. He will oversee all company operations, reporting directly to chief executive officer Perry Oosting.

Source: FashionMonitor

For more in the series of The Latest Appointments, please see our most recent editions as follows:

The Latest Appointments: Bulgari, Burberry & Four Seasons
The Latest Appointments: Harrods, Balenciaga & Louis Vuitton
The Latest Appointments: Christie’s, Richemont & Ferrari

Sophie Doran
Sophie Doran

Creative Strategist, Digital

Sophie Doran is currently Senior Creative Strategist, Digital at Karla Otto. Prior to this role, she was the Paris-based editor-in-chief of Luxury Society. Prior to joining Luxury Society, Sophie completed her MBA in Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on luxury brand dynamics and leadership, whilst simultaneously working in management roles for several luxury retailers.

LEADERS

The Latest Appointments: Harry Winston, Dunhill & Audemars Piguet

by

Sophie Doran

|

This is the featured image caption
Credit : This is the featured image credit

Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert to take one year off, as Thierry Andretta exits Lanvin and Dr. Ulrich Bez prepares to step down from Aston Martin

Over the last decade, collaborations between luxury brands and contemporary artists have gone beyond mere artistic partnerships towards a new kind of luxury branding.

PARIS – Art and fashion have always developed side by side, for fashion, like art, often gives visual expression to the cultural zeitgeist. During the 1920s, Salvador Dalí created dresses for Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiapparelli. In the 1930s, Ferragamo’s shoes commissioned designs for advertisements from Futurist painter Lucio Venna, while Gianni Versace commissioned works from artists such as Alighiero Boetti and Roy Lichtenstein for the launch of his collections. Yves Saint Laurent’s vast art collection, recently auctioned at Christie’s in Paris, testified to his great love of art and revealed the influence of a variety of artists on his own designs.

In the 1980s, relationships between luxury brands and artists were advanced when Alain Dominique Perrin created the Fondation Cartier. In the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, a book marking the foundation’s 20th anniversary, Perrin says he makes “a connection between all the different sorts of arts, and luxury goods are a kind of art. Luxury goods are handicrafts of art, applied art.”

The Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemparain building in Paris

Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert to take one year off, as Thierry Andretta exits Lanvin and Dr. Ulrich Bez prepares to step down from Aston Martin

Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert to take one year off, as Thierry Andretta exits Lanvin and Dr. Ulrich Bez prepares to step down from Aston Martin.

In a string of recent executive movements at Richemont, Marty Wikstrom has resigned as chief executive of its fashion and accessories businesses, where she has served since 2009.

The announcement came as Richemont’s chairman and founder Johann Rupert announced that he will take a year off from September 2013, leaving the luxury group in the hands of recently-named joint chief executives Bernard Fornas and Richard Lepeu.

Meanwhile at Lanvin, Thierry Andretta has abruptly left as managing director after failing to agree on the French brand’s growth strategy with its controlling shareholder, Taiwanese media magnate Shaw-Lan Wang. Mr. Andretta had served at Lanvin for four-years and is credited with doubling the brand’s sales to €236 million.

“ Thierry Andretta has abruptly left as managing director of Lanvin after failing to agree on the brand’s growth strategy ”

Dr. Ulrich Bez has confirmed he will step down as CEO and take a more “ambassadorial” role at the luxury automaker. Dr. Bez was appointed as CEO of Aston Martin under Ford ownership, and stayed on even after Ford spun it out to private investors in 2007. He will officially retire during European summer after a successor has been announced.

Finally, Joseph Wan, the long-time group chief executive officer of Harvey Nichols, is said to be stepping down as the UK department store searches for a successor. Harvey Nichols has refused to comment, though headhunters have already been hired to find Mr. Wan’s successor, according to a separate industry source.

During the Nineties and the Aughts, Mr. Wan oversaw the brand’s expansion into catering and the store’s retail expansion into more U.K. cities, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Indonesia and Turkey.

Xavier Nolot, CEO Americas, Audemars Piguet

Xavier Nolot as CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, where he will be responsible for all financial, operational, sales and marketing functions for the brand in North America. Nolot began his career with Audemars Piguet in 2003 and will continue to advise the Group in the development of the South American Market.

Source: IWM Magazine

Daniela Riccardi, CEO, Baccarat

Baccarat has appointed Daniela Riccardi as CEO, effective June 3. Ms. Riccardi most recently served as CEO at Diesel, after serving 25 years at Procter & Gamble. At Baccarat, she succeeds Markus Lampe, who is leaving the position to pursue another – as-yet-unknown – opportunity.

Source: Pambianco News

Nicola Formichetti, Artistic Director, Diesel

Less than 48 hours after announcing his departure from Mulger, Nicola Formichetti was confirmed as the new artistic director at Diesel. In his new role, Formichetti will oversee all creative activities of the Diesel mainline, including all areas of product communication and interior design.

Source: Fashion United

Fabrizio Cardinali, CEO, Dunhill

Fabrizio Cardinali will take over from Eraldo Poletto as CEO of Dunhill on June 1. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Cardinali was CEO of Lancel, which he joined from Dolce and Gabbana. Lancel’s chief operating officer, Gianni Serrazi, will act as CEO until a permanent replacement for Mr. Cardinali is named.

Source: Business of Fashion

Charles Ray Thomas Jr., Director, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne

The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne has announced the appointment of Dr Charles Ray Thomas Jr. as Director of the full-time Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration (EMBA). In his new role, Dr Thomas will oversee all aspects of the EMBA programme and further develop the quality and reputation of the programme.

Source: Hospitality.net

Danielle Sherman, Creative Director, Edun

Danielle Sherman has replaced the former creative director of Edun, Sharon Wauchob. Previously, Ms. Sherman worked as the design director of the men’s and women’s lines for T by Alexander Wang, and before that she was the design director of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s line The Row.

Source: Popsugar

Pia Tonna, Head of PR, Faberge

Fabergé has announced the appointment of Pia Tonna as director of marketing and communications with immediate effect. Ms. Tonna has previously held director roles for marketing and communication at Chanel Corporation, Gemfields, Paul Smith and her own company, Piatonna.

Source: Professional Jeweller

Marco Vigano, President Russia, Gucci

Marco Vigano has been appointed president of Gucci’s operations in Russia, to oversee the development of Gucci in Russia and CIS, as the brand prepares for direct operations. Marco Vigano joins from Louis Vuitton, where he held the position of General Manager Russia & Ukraine.

Source: CPP Luxury

Nayla Hayek, CEO, Harry Winston

Following the resignation of Frédéric de Narp, after Harry Winston’s acquisition by The Swatch Group, Nayla Hayek has been appointed CEO with immediate effect. The daughter of Swatch co-founder Nicolas Hayek and sister of CEO Nick Hayek Jr., was already chairwoman of Harry Winston, a role she took when Swatch acquired the jeweller in March 2013.

Source: Bloomberg

Katherine Melchior-Ray, VP Luxury Brands, Hyatt Hotels

In this newly created role, Katherine Melchior-Ray will lead the development of the brand experience and marketing strategy for Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt Hotels. Ms. Melchior-Ray has 20 years of experience building luxury and fashion brands internationally, most recently as executive director of strategic planning at Gucci in Japan.

Source: Hospitality Net

Daniel Kirchert, MD, Infiniti China

Nissan has appointed Daniel Kirchert as Infiniti’s managing director in China effective May 1. The former BMW executive takes over from Allen Lu, charged with expanding production and dealerships in the Chinese region, the world’s biggest auto market.

Source: Reuters

Nicolas Hieronimus, President, L’Oreal Selective Divisions

Nicolas Hieronimus has been appointed as president of all the company’s selective divisions, including luxury, active cosmetics, professional products and The Body Shop. Mr. Hieronimus has been with L’Oreal for over 20 years and launched the Garnier brand in the UK, and the L’Oreal Paris brand in Mexico.

Cosmetics Design Europe

Xavier Vey, President, Lancôme

Xavier Vey has been appointed president of New York-based Lancôme US, replacing Serge Jureidini who left in February to become president and chief executive officer of Arcade Marketing. Mr. Vey was formerly a General Manager at L’Oréal’s Luxury Division in France.

Source: WWD

Jérôme Lambert, CEO, Montblanc

Mr Jérôme Lambert, current CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre has been appointed as CEO of Montblanc, effective July 1st 2013. Mr Lambert will remain a member of the group management committee. Mr Lutz Bethge, currently CEO of Montblanc International, will be appointed as non-executive chairman and head of supervisory board of Montblanc.

Source: World Tempus

Michael Wale, President of Europe, Africa & Middle East, Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Michael Wale, a 35-year Starwood veteran who most recently served as SVP and director of operations for Western Europe, as President of Europe, Africa & Middle East (EAME). Mr. Wale succeeds Roeland Vos who served more than 30 years with the company.

Source: Market Wire

Stéphane Linder, CEO, TAG Heuer

Stéphane Linder has been appointed CEO of TAG Heuer effective June 1st 2013. Mr. Linder, who is currently Vice President of Sales North America for TAG Heuer, is taking over from Jean-Christophe Babin, who has served the LVMH subsidiary since 2000 when he joined as CEO.

Source: Fort Mill Times

Marc Jacheet, President France, Tiffany & Co

This week, Tiffany & Co. appointed its new president for France and Benelux. Marc Jacheet will be responsible for the 2014 opening of the new 1000 square-metre Tiffany & Co. store on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Before arriving at Tiffany, Marc Jacheet had held the position of head of communications at Louis Vuitton Europe and at Moët & Chandon.

Source: Pambianco News

Alain Bernard , CEO Americas, Van Cleef et Arpels

Van Cleef et Arpels has appointed Alain Bernard president and CEO of its Americas division, to be based in New York. Since 2010, Bernard has served as president and CEO for the Japan region. He came to Van Cleef et Arpels from fellow Richemont Group brand Cartier.

Source: JCK Online

Jonathan Sinclair, COO, Vertu

Luxury mobile phone manufacturer Vertu has announced the appointment of Jonathan Sinclair as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Sinclair joins from Jimmy Choo where he has worked in the same role. He will oversee all company operations, reporting directly to chief executive officer Perry Oosting.

Source: FashionMonitor

For more in the series of The Latest Appointments, please see our most recent editions as follows:

The Latest Appointments: Bulgari, Burberry & Four Seasons
The Latest Appointments: Harrods, Balenciaga & Louis Vuitton
The Latest Appointments: Christie’s, Richemont & Ferrari

Sophie Doran
Sophie Doran

Creative Strategist, Digital

Sophie Doran is currently Senior Creative Strategist, Digital at Karla Otto. Prior to this role, she was the Paris-based editor-in-chief of Luxury Society. Prior to joining Luxury Society, Sophie completed her MBA in Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on luxury brand dynamics and leadership, whilst simultaneously working in management roles for several luxury retailers.

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