SMCP
Recently, SMCP, the French affordable luxury fashion house and parent company of Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, and Fursac, announced the appointment of Kleine Tan as Chief Executive Officer of SMCP Asia. He succeeds Jimmy Lam, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. The appointment took effect on April 1, 2025.
Isabelle Guichot, CEO of SMCP Group, stated that Kleine Tan has lived and worked in Asia for two decades, bringing with him a strong international perspective and a deep understanding of the retail and wholesale landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. “As we continue to implement our strategic roadmap in Asia-Pacific, particularly with the optimization of our network in the Chinese Mainland, I believe Kleine will offer a pragmatic and professional new perspective, identify potential new opportunities, and inspire the team to achieve new successes.”
Kleine Tan brings a wealth of international experience and in-depth knowledge of the Asian market. He has lived and worked in Singapore, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. He began his career in 1999 in the retail and merchandising division at Louis Vuitton, later joining Burberry, where he was responsible for retail operations and merchandising in the region. From 2010 onwards, he held senior positions at Prada and Miu Miu, and later became Managing Director and Vice President of Givenchy Asia Pacific and Japan, leading strategic transformation and growth across the region. Most recently, he served as President of Asia for Loewe, the Spanish luxury brand under the LVMH Group, playing a key role in the brand’s regional expansion and business growth.
Brioni
Italian luxury menswear brand Brioni, under the Kering Group, has recently appointed Flavio Cerbone as Chief Marketing Officer. He will report directly to CEO Mehdi Benabadji. In his new role, Flavio Cerbone will be responsible for marketing, event planning, social media, brand image, and public relations, supporting the brand’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its image and consolidate its position in global markets.
Flavio Cerbone has over 20 years of experience in communications and marketing, with a strong focus on the luxury and fashion sectors. He began his career at renowned Milan-based PR firm Attila&Co., later joining eyewear brand Marcolin to work in press relations. In 2013, he joined the Prada Group and held long-term roles at its brands Church’s and Car Shoe, ultimately serving as Global Senior PR and Communications Manager for Church’s. He has been Communications Director at Church’s since 2023, overseeing global communication strategies and demonstrating excellence in brand storytelling and cross-cultural communication.
Mikimoto
Japanese pearl jewelry brand Mikimoto has announced the appointment of Kentaro Nishimura as President and CEO of Mikimoto America, succeeding Yasuhiko Hashimoto, who has been promoted to Global Chief Operating Officer of Mikimoto. In his new role, Kentaro will report to Yasuhiko Hashimoto.
Kentaro Nishimura has been with Mikimoto for over 25 years. He joined the company in Tokyo in 1997, initially managing gift retail and wholesale operations. He later joined the custom products team, developing tailored offerings for corporate clients. In 2000, he relocated to Mikimoto America, where he rose through the ranks from Assistant Manager to senior executive roles in procurement and sales, ultimately serving as Chief Operating Officer.
On his new appointment, Kentaro Nishimura expressed his honor and stated, “I will continue to drive strategic growth through selective retail expansion, elevating the client experience, and pursuing meaningful digital transformation. … This new chapter aims to deepen our emotional connection with clients and ensure Mikimoto remains relevant for the customers of tomorrow.”
Speaking on Mikimoto’s greatest challenge, Kentaro Nishimura said, “One of the biggest ongoing challenges at Mikimoto is how to strike a balance between heritage and innovation. We continue to push creative boundaries and remain at the forefront of design, while staying true to the craftsmanship, superior quality, and core values that have defined our brand for over a century. The key is expressing these deeply rooted ideals—artistry, authenticity, and elegance—in ways that resonate emotionally and culturally across generations.” He noted that strategic collaborations with brands such as Chrome Hearts and Comme des Garçons have enabled Mikimoto “to explore new creative dimensions and connect with diverse audiences in unexpected yet meaningful ways.”
Mikimoto currently operates four standalone United States stores in New York, Beverly Hills, Costa Mesa, California, and Las Vegas. The brand also sells through its official website, independent jewelers, and select department stores and retailers.
Wolford / Lanvin Group
Recently, Austrian apparel brand Wolford, part of Lanvin Group, announced the extension of Chief Operating Officer Ralf Polito’s term on the Management Board through December 31, 2025.
As a result, Ralf Polito will continue to serve on the Management Board alongside Wolford’s Global HR Director Domenico Giordano. The two will continue to be supported by Global Chief Financial Officer Andrea Rossi, who was appointed Interim General Manager in January, succeeding former CEO Regis Rimbert.
Ralf Polito brings over 20 years of experience in financial and operational management within the textile industry. He has previously held senior leadership roles at Austrian premium shirtmaker Eterna, lingerie brand Triumph, and German fashion luxury label Hugo Boss. Polito joined Wolford’s Management Board as COO in April 2023, with an initial two-year term.
Intersport Group
Swiss-based sports goods retailer Intersport Group, headquartered in Bern, recently announced the appointment of Tom Foley as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment will take effect on July 1. Foley’s return comes at a pivotal moment as the company embarks on a new chapter. Intersport emphasized that strategic growth has reached a critical stage and reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside national associations and brand partners to deliver genuine value to customers across 42 markets.
Tom Foley has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the international sports retail industry. He began his career in 2005 by founding the Independent Sports Retailers Alliance in Ireland. In 2011, he joined Intersport UK and Ireland as Managing Director, helping expand the brand’s market presence in the region. Starting in 2017, Foley took on leadership roles in the Middle East, serving as Managing Director for GO Sport (a French sports retailer under the Al Mana Group), Courir (a French athletic chain), and the NBA’s brand operations in the region, where he drove local market expansion. Since 2023, he has been Global CEO of GO Sport, based in Doha, where he focused on international operations and growth for the multi-brand sports retailer.
Commenting on his return, Tom Foley expressed enthusiasm for rejoining Intersport and leading the group into a new phase of transformation and growth. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening Intersport’s global network, improving operational efficiency, and reinforcing its position as the “preferred strategic partner” for leading brands. He will also accelerate the development of both the Intersport brand and its private-label lines, while spearheading the group’s global transformation efforts.
Earlier, Intersport Group reported its fiscal 2024 results: despite multiple headwinds, the group achieved revenue growth, with global omnichannel sales reaching €14 billion [approx. USD 14.91 billion], up 2.1% year-on-year. As of the end of 2024, Intersport operated 5,464 stores across 42 countries and regions.
｜Sources: Official websites of the brands and executives, LinkedIn, Fashion United, Marketing Interactive
｜Image Credit: Official websites of the brands and executives, LinkedIn
｜Editor: LeZhi
