Inter IKEA
Inter IKEA, the owner of global home furnishings giant IKEA, has announced that current CEO Jon Abrahamsson Ring will step down on January 1, 2026. He will be succeeded by Jakub Jankowski, currently Managing Director of IKEA Industry.
Jon Abrahamsson Ring began his career at IKEA’s Örebro branch and has held leadership roles in Canada, the Chinese Mainland, the Netherlands, and Sweden. His experience includes serving as assistant to IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad. He was also previously CEO of Swedish fashion brand Filippa K, and President and CEO of Nordic garden center chain Plantagen.
Jakub Jankowski joined IKEA’s Poland unit in 2001 and has since held a range of key positions in Romania, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden, including store manager, assistant to the CEO, category area manager, and deputy trading area manager. He currently heads IKEA Industry.
Above, from left to right: Jon Abrahamsson Ring and Jakub Jankowski
Gap Inc.
U.S. apparel group Gap Inc. has announced a series of personnel changes:
-
Deb Redmond has been appointed General Manager of the group’s beauty business;
-
Michele Parsons has been named General Manager of the group’s accessories business;
-
John Demsey and Reed Krakoff have been appointed Executive Directors of the beauty and accessories businesses, respectively.
Above, from left to right: Deb Redmond, John Demsey, Michele Parsons, Reed Krakoff
Deb Redmond previously spent 28 years at U.S. luxury department store Nordstrom, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Beauty.
Michele Parsons most recently served as Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at Kate Spade. Before that, she was Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at upscale brand Club Monaco. Earlier in her career, she held senior marketing leadership roles at Coach, Liz Claiborne, and Tommy Hilfiger.
John Demsey is a former Executive Group President at Estée Lauder Companies, widely recognized in the industry for leading global beauty brands such as Tom Ford Beauty and MAC Cosmetics, with a focus on innovation, consumer engagement, and social impact.
Reed Krakoff is a three-time CFDA “Accessories Designer of the Year” award winner. He has played pivotal roles in the growth and transformation of brands such as Coach and Tiffany & Co., and has also served as Creative Chairman of John Hardy and Strategic Advisor to private equity firm L Catterton.
Gap plans to launch its beauty product line in 2026, further expanding its product portfolio, with additional product launches to follow. Similarly, the group will take a cautious and phased approach to growing its accessories line, building on its current success in handbags, jewelry, and leather goods.
Lenzing
Austrian textile giant Lenzing has announced two executive appointments:
-
Senior Vice President of Performance Programs, Mathias Breuer, will take over as Chief Financial Officer in 2026. Current CFO Nico Reiner will not renew his contract after it expires at the end of 2025;
-
The term of Christian Skilich, Chief Pulp Officer and Chief Technology Officer, on the Management Board has been extended by three years to May 31, 2029.
Mathias Breuer joined Lenzing’s management team in 2023 and has played a key role in developing and successfully implementing the group-wide performance program. He previously served as CFO of packaging company Adapa and CFO of the Sempermed division under Semperit AG Holding.
Nico Reiner joined Lenzing in 2023 as CFO. Before that, he held CFO roles at German magnetic materials company VACUUMSCHMELZE and building materials company Schüco International.
Christian Skilich joined Lenzing in 2020. Prior to that, he held executive roles at UK-based sustainable packaging company Mondi Group, including Group Technical Director and Director of Operations for Europe and International.
Above, from left to right: Mathias Breuer and Nico Reiner
TOUS
Carlos Soler-Duffo, who has served as CEO of Spanish fashion jewelry group TOUS for seven years, is set to step down. His successor will be announced shortly.
Soler-Duffo succeeded José María Folache in 2019 and has co-led the company alongside President Alba Tous, daughter of the company’s founder. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Commercial Director for seven years.
Before joining TOUS, Carlos Soler-Duffo was General Manager at Spanish fashion retailer PUNT ROMA and held various roles at other retail companies.
In December 2024, the TOUS founding family repurchased the 25% stake previously held by private equity firm Partners Group since 2015, regaining full ownership of the company.
Above: Carlos Soler-Duffo
| Source: Official press releases, Modaes (Spain)
| Image Credit: Executives’ LinkedIn profiles
| Editor: LeZhi
