Mytheresa
Recently, luxury fashion retailer Mytheresa appointed Dede Chan Brignoli as its new President for Greater China, effective this month. In her new role, Dede Chan Brignoli will succeed Steven Xu, overseeing all consumer-facing operations in the Greater China region for Mytheresa.
Dede Chan Brignoli holds a Bachelor’s degree from RMIT University in Australia and brings extensive experience in the luxury sector, having previously served as E-commerce Director for LVMH, Kenzo, and Rimowa in China, as well as a leader at L’Oréal Hong Kong. Most recently, she was the Head of E-commerce for Greater China at LVMH, responsible for market e-commerce, customer relationship management, customer service, and business development strategies.
Mytheresa CEO Michael Kliger stated, “We are thrilled to appoint Dede Chan Brignoli as our new President for Greater China. The online luxury market in China presents immense growth opportunities for Mytheresa. With Dede Chan’s expertise and extensive experience, she will help us further expand this market.”
Dede Chan Brignoli
Mytheresa’s Managing Director and Chief Growth Officer Gareth Locke also praised Dede Chan Brignoli’s experience in global luxury brands and e-commerce companies, stating, “I am delighted that Dede Chan is joining the Mytheresa China team. Her extensive experience in international luxury brands and Chinese e-commerce will not only drive our own e-commerce platform’s development but also enhance Mytheresa’s influence on major social media platforms in China. Together, we will work towards elevating Mytheresa’s presence in China to new heights.”
Dede Chan Brignoli expressed her excitement about creating customer value through both digital and physical experiences, stating, “I have always admired Mytheresa; it is not just a luxury e-commerce platform. I look forward to combining online and offline experiences to create exceptional customer value and service. I firmly believe that Mytheresa has unique advantages and will seize the new strategic growth opportunities in China.”
Paul Fredrick
On July 3, Pennsylvania-based direct-to-consumer menswear brand Paul Fredrick announced the appointment of Erica Lee as its new CEO. Paul Fredrick noted that Erica Lee is an experienced executive with a rich background in the apparel industry and will bring new energy to the brand.
Before joining Paul Fredrick, Erica Lee recently worked at DTC brand management company FullBeauty Brands, where she led brands such as Ellos, KingSize, and Swimsuits For All. Prior to FullBeauty Brands, Erica Lee held marketing roles at Gap, Inc. and served at Coach, driving international growth for the global marketing team and later leading Coach’s North American retail marketing team.
After taking office, former Paul Fredrick CEO Neal Black will continue to serve on the brand’s board. Neal Black stated, “Erica Lee perfectly meets Paul Fredrick’s needs, and I look forward to working with her during my tenure as a board member. She will bring a fresh perspective to lead the company and open a new chapter.”
HYT
Swiss independent watchmaker HYT recently announced that Vahé Vartzbed has been promoted from General Manager to CEO, becoming the fourth leader of this independent watchmaker.
A year ago, Vahé Vartzbed joined HYT from high-end watch brand Greubel Forsey, known for its complex tourbillons. At Greubel Forsey, he was responsible for sales in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East for three years. Prior to that, he worked at Girard-Perregaux for five years, holding several senior sales positions.
HYT, based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is the only watch company presenting time through liquid displays. HYT launched its first hybrid watch, the H1, at BaselWorld in 2012.
Vahé Vartzbed
Since its founding in 2012, HYT has had a tumultuous period and declared bankruptcy in 2021. Later that year, Swiss KTS Technology acquired the company name and assets, resuming operations. The acquisition amount remains undisclosed. At that time, KTS appointed Davide Cerrato as HYT’s CEO, but he joined British watchmaker Bremont last year. Since then, Vincent Perriard managed HYT, and Nicolas Sestito served as interim CEO. With Vahé Vartzbed’s appointment, Vincent Perriard will step back as Chairman, and Nicolas Sestito will leave the company.
In April, HYT launched the slimmer and more sporty T1 series watches, priced at 48,000 Swiss francs. Vahé Vartzbed stated that his goal is to continue the brand’s disruptive and innovative spirit and to keep innovating the company’s iconic hydraulic-driven watches.
Authentic Brands Group
On July 2, global brand management company Authentic Brands Group (ABG) announced the appointment of Jeff Daggett as Senior Vice President and Head of Japan Market, driving brand development in Japan. This appointment took effect on July 1, with Jeff Daggett based in Tokyo.
Jeff Daggett
Jeff Daggett has over 30 years of industry experience and has driven retail business development for well-known brands such as Gap, Levi’s, Nike, and Vodafone, as well as generating substantial revenue for leading content creators like Disney and NBC Universal.
Wesley Chu, President of ABG Asia Pacific, welcomed this appointment, stating that Jeff Daggett will strengthen ABG’s foothold, enhance the visibility of ABG’s brand portfolio in Japan, and significantly grow brands in this critical market.
Gimel
Italian children’s clothing manufacturer Gimel, founded in 1977 in Puglia, announced the appointment of Italian Francesco Dente as the new CEO, ending the tenure of the current French CEO Cecile Beaurain.
Cecile Beaurain was previously employed by Stella McCartney Kids and has extensive experience at LVMH, Kering, and CWF Group. She was appointed CEO of Gimel in April 2021, leading Gimel to restore pre-COVID sales levels.
Cecile Beaurain
Under Cecile Beaurain’s leadership, Gimel secured several new licenses, including Pinko and Miss Blumarine, and significantly expanded its sales range, particularly internationally. In 2023, the company achieved a revenue of 14 million euros, selling in 30 countries, and producing and distributing children’s clothing for 11 brands, including Elisabetta Franchi (La Mia Bambina series), Dondup (Children series), Jacob Cohën (Junior series), and Ermanno Scervino (Junior series), as well as specific products for the Armani Group. Recently, Gimel began producing and distributing Elettra Lamborghini’s new children’s fashion brand Mamatchy. Gimel’s portfolio also includes its own brand, Le Petit Coco.
Regarding her departure, Cecile Beaurain stated, “I can say that Gimel is now a well-organized company in production and distribution, ready for ambitious future challenges.” After leaving, Cecile Beaurain will fully devote herself to new professional projects.
New CEO Francesco Dente expressed gratitude for Cecile Beaurain’s contributions, stating, “Gimel will continue to consolidate its position as a leader in the children’s clothing market by incorporating its expertise into every project and collaboration.”
| Sources: Brand/Company Websites, Executive LinkedIn Profiles, Insideretail.asia, Watch Pro, Retail in Asia, Fashion Magazine.
| Image Credit: Brand/Company Websites, Executive LinkedIn Profiles.
| Editor: LeZhi
