Alo Yoga
Los Angeles-based activewear brand Alo Yoga has appointed Benedetta Petruzzo as Chief Executive Officer of International Business.
In her new role, Benedetta Petruzzo will oversee the brand’s global operations with a focus on customer experience, market strategy, brand image, and the wellness category.
A seasoned executive in the luxury industry, Petruzzo most recently served as Managing Director at luxury brand Dior. Prior to that, she was CEO of Prada Group’s brand Miu Miu. Earlier in her career, she spent five years at Bain & Company before joining Kering Eyewear, where she held several leadership roles.
Alo Yoga was founded in 2007 when Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge launched a yoga-focused product line under the T-shirt brand Bella+Canvas. It was later renamed Alo Yoga and established as an independent brand. Harris and DeGeorge remain the brand’s co-owners and co-CEOs. Today, Alo Yoga products are sold in 128 markets worldwide, with over 100 stores operating across 26 countries. Stores in the Chinese Mainland are currently in preparation.
L.L.Bean
American outdoor heritage brand L.L.Bean has promoted long-time employee Greg Elder to President and CEO.
Based in Freeport, Maine, Elder succeeds outgoing CEO Stephen Smith, who will remain on the board as an advisor through March.
Elder joined L.L.Bean in 2007 and has held various leadership positions within the company, most recently serving as Chief Retail Officer. Previously, he held leadership roles at Eddie Bauer and Dayton Hudson Corporation (the predecessor to retailer Target), and he is also a member of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).
New Balance
American sportswear brand New Balance has announced two executive appointments in its EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region:
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Ger Wright has been named Vice President of Regional Sales
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Olivier Kamp has been appointed Regional Retail Director
Ger Wright brings 25 years of experience in the retail industry. Most recently, she served as Managing Director of Sports at UK retail group Frasers Group, where she led the acceleration of the group’s “elevation strategy” across its sports brands. She also spent over 14 years at Nike, where she held the role of VP and GM of Merchandising & Marketplace for the EMEA region. Between 2002 and 2006, she worked at Levi’s in Ireland as Key Account Manager and Retail Coordinator.
In his new role, Olivier Kamp will oversee retail strategy and operations in the local markets. He previously worked at French sports fashion brand Lacoste for nearly a decade, most recently as Director of Retail & Omnichannel for Central and Northern Europe. He also held retail leadership positions at Mammut Sports Group AG for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), and at surfwear brand Quiksilver.
ACBC
Italian sustainable sports footwear brand ACBC Group has appointed Dario Minutella as Partner and Chief Commercial Officer.
His appointment is expected to further strengthen the group’s integrated development across key business areas including consulting, marketing communications, product development, manufacturing, logistics, market expansion, and sustainability.
Minutella is a manager with 15 years of industry experience. He has worked as a strategic advisor for fashion, luxury, and lifestyle companies in Italy and abroad, and has collaborated with both Italian and international private equity funds on due diligence and integration projects.
ACBC CEO Gio Giacobbe stated, “Welcoming Dario Minutella as Partner and Chief Commercial Officer marks a milestone moment for ACBC. His strategic vision, deep market understanding, and strong execution capabilities will be key to supporting the company’s next phase of growth.”
Finnisterre
UK-based outdoor lifestyle brand Finisterre has appointed Joe Ward as Head of Retail, effective January 14.
Joe Ward brings nearly 18 years of global fashion retail experience. Most recently, he served as Head of International Retail and Global Retail Support at British fashion brand Superdry, where he previously held several managerial positions.
Finisterre CEO Will Sheane commented, “With his deep international retail experience and strong track record in building high-performing teams, he will help us further enhance the customer experience as the brand continues to grow.”
Founded in 2003, Finisterre has evolved from a specialist coastal brand to a full-fledged outdoor brand. Its products prioritize functionality while embracing sustainability and environmental responsibility. In 2025, the brand opened several new stores, including a London flagship, as well as locations in Cambridge, Cardiff, and other cities.
Ariat International
Beth Cross, Co-Founder and CEO of outdoor footwear brand Ariat International, will transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board, effective April 2.
Liz O’Neill will succeed her as Chief Executive Officer. Before officially taking the role, O’Neill will work alongside Beth Cross and the Ariat leadership team over the coming months.
Most recently, O’Neill served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Levi Strauss & Co., retiring in March 2025 and continuing as an advisor through August.
Ariat International was founded in 1993 by Beth Cross and Pam Parker as the first brand to integrate athletic footwear technology into performance boots for equestrian athletes. The company has remained women-led since its inception and continues to develop innovative and functional products for various outdoor and work environments.
| Source: Official press releases, FashionNetwork
| Image Credit: Brand websites, personal social media accounts
| Editor: LeZhi
