Christian Lacroix
French haute couture brand Christian Lacroix announced the departure of its CEO, Nicolas Topiol, who has led the brand for 20 years.
Topiol joined the brand in 2005 when French retail group Falic Group acquired Christian Lacroix from LVMH. Over the past two decades, he has guided the brand through multiple transformations. In 2009, Christian Lacroix declared bankruptcy, and the designer himself permanently exited the brand after presenting his final, emotionally charged couture show.
Following that period, Topiol and his management team fully exited the costly ready-to-wear and haute couture businesses, shifting focus to a brand licensing model. By 2017, Christian Lacroix’s licensed products had achieved over $150 million in total retail sales.
Topiol’s departure coincides with a new ownership transition for the brand. In January of this year, Spanish textile group Sociedad Textil Lonia acquired Christian Lacroix.
Going forward, Nicolas Topiol will focus on his role as President of Bechert Corp., a private advisory firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, strategic restructuring, corporate reorganization, and brand management.
Alexander Wang
Chinese-American fashion brand Alexander Wang has appointed Robert Rizzolo as Global President.
Rizzolo most recently served as Chief Merchandising Officer at Marc Jacobs, a U.S. fashion brand under the LVMH Group. He previously held the position of Vice President of Global Merchandising at Michael Kors. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Merchandising Manager at Gucci and held buying and merchandising roles at Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Gap.
Six Senses
Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, has announced his departure to pursue new ventures.
Jacobs joined Six Senses at the end of 2012, shortly after the brand was acquired by Pegasus Capital Advisors. In 2019, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) acquired Six Senses for $300 million.
Previously, Jacobs was President of a hotel group under Starwood Capital Group for four years. Prior to that, he spent 14 years at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Hilton
Hilton has appointed Christian Charnaux as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, effective July 1.
In his new role, Charnaux will succeed Kevin Jacobs and report to President and CEO Chris Nassetta. Kevin Jacobs will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer.
Charnaux previously served as Chief Growth Officer at Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC, a role he held since the group’s founding in 2018.
He also previously worked at Hilton in various brand management, commercial, and financial roles, including leading investor relations.
Earlier in his career, Charnaux was with the Boston Consulting Group, focusing on the travel and consumer goods sectors, and also worked in the technology and M&A divisions at J.P. Morgan.
｜Source: Official press releases, personal social media accounts, Luxeplace archives
｜Image Credit: Company websites, personal social media accounts
｜Editor: LeZhi
