Moncler
Recently, Italian luxury brand Moncler appointed Adrian Ward-Rees as Chief Commercial Officer, aiming to unlock the global potential of the Moncler Grenoble high-end ski line, launched in 2010. This appointment took effect in October.
A source within the brand commented, “We have always been committed to the Grenoble line, but we haven’t truly conveyed this dedication.” Reports indicate that the newly envisioned expansion plans will cover multiple dimensions, including distribution, products, and marketing, with a particular focus on international DTC (direct-to-consumer) channels.
Adrian Ward-Rees
Adrian Ward-Rees brings extensive experience as an executive in the fashion and luxury industry. Since August 2011, he has been with AWR Consultancy, focusing on merchandising and commercial affairs. From July 2020 to June 2023, he served as Senior Vice President at Burberry. Between April 2016 and July 2020, he was the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Dior Menswear at Christian Dior Couture. From July 2013 to February 2016, he worked as General Manager at The Lane Crawford Joyce Group. Previously, from May 2007 to August 2011, he was Merchandising Director at Burberry, and between 2005 and 2007, he was Global Head of Swimwear and Apparel at Speedo International Ltd (Pentland Brands). From May 2000 to January 2005, he served as Senior Merchandising Manager for Nike in the EMEA region. Early in his career, he held positions at Selfridges, including Women’s Wear Buyer and Merchandising Manager.
Ferrari Fashion School
Recently, the Milan-based Ferrari Fashion School, whose board includes members of the Ferrari family, announced the appointment of Anna Lottersberger as its new Dean, Managing Director, and Academic Director.
Anna Lottersberger has extensive experience in both corporate and academic roles, having held teaching and educational management positions in Italy, the Chinese Mainland, Lebanon, and Singapore. Her recent roles include leading the Master’s program in Fashion at Domus Academy and overseeing international academic development and corporate relations within Plena Education Group institutions.
Anna Lottersberger
Anna Lottersberger stated, “My goal is to strengthen Ferrari Fashion School’s interaction with the broader world by building a network encompassing Milan-based and international businesses, professionals, museums, galleries, publishers, and universities. By placing students at the center—through their stories, identities, and voices—my aim is to foster the development of knowledge, skills, and imagination, helping them connect culture, ethics, materials, and visions of the future, thus contributing to the transformation of the fashion industry.”
Ferrari Fashion School is a higher education institution established in Milan in 2000. It is part of the Plena Education Group, which specializes in advanced arts education in Italy. The school offers postgraduate education in fashion, luxury, and design, catering to professionals seeking continued education after achieving certain academic qualifications. Today, Ferrari Fashion School is one of Europe’s leading fashion schools, blending Italian heritage with a strong international focus, committed to promoting and elevating “Made in Italy” globally.
Castore
Recently, UK sportswear manufacturer Castore announced the appointment of former JD Sports executive Peter Alecock as its newly created Commercial Director. Alecock will oversee the overall channel performance of the sportswear brand across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce within its partnership and core business divisions.
Peter Alecock brings extensive experience and diverse skills to his new role, excelling in fashion retail, commercial operations, financial management, e-commerce, and team development.
Peter Alecock
From June 2022 to February 2024, Alecock served as CEO of home and fashion retailer Joe Browns, leading its operations. He spent over eight years at JD Sports Fashion plc, holding various key roles, including Chief Operating Officer for the fashion division (September 2019 to May 2022), Commercial Director for the fashion division (May 2014 to September 2019), and Group Commercial Operations Director (July 2013 to May 2014). Earlier in his career, he was General Manager at Bank Fashion (January 2008 to July 2013), and prior to that, held roles as Finance Director at Bank Fashion (July 2006 to January 2008) and Miss Selfridge (January 2004 to July 2006).
In June 2023, Castore was ranked the second fastest-growing private company in the UK. This year, the company has added several new members to its leadership team, including Leon Shepherd from Secret Sales as Chief Technology Officer and JD Sports veteran Stuart Puddy as Investment Director. In November, Castore secured £150 million ($189 million) in new investments from both existing and new investors, valuing the company close to £1 billion ($1.26 billion).
Merrell
Recently, American outdoor brand Merrell announced the appointment of Noreen Naroo-Pucci as Chief Product Officer, as part of its strategy to meet growing demand for footwear spanning outdoor adventures to everyday life. The appointment took effect in December, with Naroo-Pucci overseeing end-to-end product creation for Merrell and Chaco Footwear brands.
Noreen Naroo-Pucci has over 30 years of experience in designing performance and active lifestyle products, brand development, product storytelling, concept guidance, and product development. From September to December 2024, she served as Chief Product Advisor at Merrell, focusing on strategy for the men’s and women’s lifestyle categories. Between March 2022 and April 2024, she was Chief Product Officer at American DTC menswear brand Mizzen+Main, leading the product team through the entire product cycle. From July 2019 to January 2021, she served as Senior Vice President for North American Menswear Design at Calvin Klein, responsible for concept design.
Naroo-Pucci worked at Under Armour for nearly 11 years (2008–2018), holding roles such as Vice President of Global Design Engine and Senior Creative Director for Women’s and Youth Apparel. She also contributed significantly to the brand’s growth by leading creative teams and setting product visions. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at FILA, Champion Europe, Marks and Spencer, and other notable brands, building extensive expertise in design, management, and product development across different regions and markets.
Noreen Naroo-Pucci
Merrell Global Brand President Janice Tennant commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Noreen to our team. Her extensive experience with globally renowned brands, passion for innovation and design excellence, and commitment to building high-performing teams will help us continue modernizing our brand to attract the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.” Naroo-Pucci added, “I am eager to bring my passion for products to Merrell, leading with vision and integrity to deliver style and functionality to urban and everyday environments.”
｜Sources: Brand/Company Websites, Executive LinkedIn Profiles, Retail Dive, Retailgazette.co.uk, Milano Finanza, Worldfootwear.com
｜Image Credit: Brand/Company Websites, Executive LinkedIn Profiles
｜Editor: LeZhi
