Valentino
Italian luxury brand Valentino has denied rumors regarding the resignation of CEO Jacopo Venturini, stating that “he is currently on medical leave, with no confirmed date for his return.”
Jacopo Venturini was appointed to his current role in 2020. He previously served as Executive Vice President, overseeing marketing and global markets at Gucci, the Italian luxury brand under Kering Group. He had also worked at Valentino during two prior periods—first from 2000 to 2004 as Brand Manager for Womenswear and Menswear, and again in 2008 as Director of Ready-to-Wear Collections.
Between 2004 and 2008, he also worked at Prada for three years.
If Jacopo Venturini remains absent for an extended period, the possibility of his formal departure or the appointment of an interim CEO cannot be ruled out.
Fondation Chanel
French luxury brand Chanel has formed a new executive team for its independently operated philanthropic arm, Fondation Chanel:
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Annika Freyer has been appointed Chair, effective September 8
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Elizabeth Broderick has been named Independent Chair of the Board
Annika Freyer will work closely with the foundation’s board and team, reporting directly to Chanel’s Global CEO Leena Nair.
Annika Freyer was the inaugural CEO of the Champions of Change Coalition, an organization committed to advancing gender equality. She brings over 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors, having held leadership roles in policy and programs for the U.S. government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The Earth Institute at Columbia University, and various international NGOs.
Currently, the Chair role is held by Kate Wylie, Chanel’s Global Chief Sustainability Officer. Starting in September, Kate Wylie will focus exclusively on leading Chanel’s “sustainability transformation” while continuing to serve as a trustee of the foundation.
Elizabeth Broderick, already serving as a trustee, officially assumed her new position on July 1. A human rights lawyer, Broderick has served as a United Nations Special Rapporteur, Co-Chair of the UN Global Compact’s Women’s Empowerment Principles Leadership Group, and a member of the World Bank Gender and Development Advisory Council.
Rimowa
German luggage brand Rimowa, part of French luxury conglomerate LVMH, has appointed Elisabetta Soffietti as Director of Retail for Europe.
In her new role, Elisabetta Soffietti will be responsible for the brand’s retail strategy across Europe, further strengthening its presence in the region.
Soffietti brings over a decade of luxury retail experience, including eight years at British footwear brand Jimmy Choo. Since 2022, she has overseen retail operations for Jimmy Choo in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. She has also held positions at Hugo Boss, among others.
David Webb
Under new ownership, American luxury jewelry brand David Webb has announced a series of executive appointments:
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Jeff Preolo, previously VP of Finance, has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. He joined the company in 2023 and has held prior roles at Ferragamo, Proenza Schouler, and Lafayette 148.
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David Stout has been promoted to Director of Sales, responsible for global revenue. He joined the company in 2018 and most recently served as Regional Sales Manager.
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Levi Higgs has been appointed Head of Archives and Brand Heritage. He joined David Webb in 2013 and previously served as Archivist and Social Media Manager, overseeing the brand’s Instagram account.
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David Benavides joins as Director of Revenue Operations. With 15 years of experience in the jewelry and retail sectors, he has held leadership positions at David Yurman, Rhone, and Coty.
Walpole
British luxury industry body Walpole has appointed Tom Athron as its new Chair, succeeding Michael Ward, who has reached the maximum term of nine years and will now serve as an advisor.
Tom Athron will be tasked with “promoting, protecting, and developing the British luxury sector, both in the UK and globally.”
Athron is currently CEO of Fortnum & Mason, a position he has held since December 2020. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Matchesfashion and spent 13 years at the John Lewis Partnership, where he held several senior roles, including Group Development Director and founded its innovation division, JLP Ventures.
Bluebell Japan
Hong Kong-headquartered luxury fashion brand distributor Bluebell has appointed Emmanuel de Place as President and CEO of Bluebell Japan. He will continue to serve as CEO of Bluebell Korea.
Previously, Emmanuel de Place was CEO for Asia Pacific at Lagardère Travel Retail, where he drove growth through innovative retail concepts and new business models while focusing on operational efficiency.
｜Source: Official press releases, Pambianco News
｜Image Credit: Brand websites, personal social media accounts
