Pandora
On October 2, Danish jewelry brand Pandora announced the appointment of Berta de Pablos-Barbier as Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to CEO Alexander Lacik and joining Pandora’s executive leadership team.
Berta de Pablos-Barbier brings 30 years of executive experience in global luxury and consumer goods, spanning the US, UK, France, Spain, Russia, and the Middle East. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of LVMH’s three leading champagne brands—Moët & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and Mercier—where she spearheaded innovation, enhanced brand image, and achieved record-breaking performance. Previously, she held roles such as Chief Growth Officer at Mars Wrigley and Chief Marketing Officer at luxury sports brand Lacoste, where she led a global rebranding effort. She also has experience in the jewelry sector, having served as VP of Marketing and Communications at Boucheron, part of Kering Group.
Pandora’s President and CEO Alexander Lacik commented, “Berta’s unique background across both high-end and accessible luxury brands, combined with her excellent track record in developing and implementing compelling visions and growth strategies, makes her the perfect fit to lead the next chapter of our marketing strategy as we continue to position Pandora as a full jewelry brand.”
Since the launch of its Phoenix growth strategy in 2021, Pandora has returned to strong growth. A key aspect of this strategy is enhancing brand appeal, shifting consumer perception of Pandora from a brand primarily known for charms and bracelets to a comprehensive jewelry brand. Pandora has also expanded its product range into new categories, materials, and aesthetics, such as its lab-grown diamond collection and the new ESSENCE sculptural jewelry line.
Malbon Golf
American golf lifestyle brand Malbon Golf announced the appointment of former Nike executive Aaron Heiser as Chief Executive Officer.
Aaron Heiser brings extensive experience in the fashion and sports apparel sectors, having spent 18 years at Nike, where he rose to the position of Vice President of Global Apparel, Accessories, and Licensing. Prior to Nike, he held roles at fashion brands such as Armani Exchange, Tommy Hilfiger, and Gap Inc.
In his new role, Heiser will work closely with the brand’s co-founders, Stephen and Erica Malbon. Erica Malbon will continue as Co-Chief Creative Officer and a member of the board.
Founded in 2017 in Los Angeles by Stephen and Erica Malbon, Malbon Golf is a lifestyle brand inspired by golf culture. Over a year ago, the brand launched its first women’s collection, aiming to attract a more diverse audience and expand its business for long-term growth.
Signet Group
Signet Group, the parent company of brands such as Zales, Kay Jewelers, and Jared, announced the appointment of JK Symancyk as CEO, effective November 4, replacing the outgoing Virginia C. Drosos. Symancyk will also join Signet’s Board of Directors.
JK Symancyk most recently served as CEO of American pet retail giant PetSmart, a role he had held since 2018. Prior to PetSmart, he was President and CEO of Academy Sports + Outdoors, a US sports and outdoor goods retailer. From 2006 to 2015, he held senior leadership roles at US supermarket chain Meijer, including Group VP, Chief Marketing Officer, COO, and President.
In addition, Signet announced that Joan Hilson, currently Chief Financial, Strategy, and Services Officer, will expand her role to become Chief Financial and Operating Officer. Hilson will oversee supply chain, and businesses including Blue Nile and James Allen, alongside her existing responsibilities. She has served as Signet’s CFO since 2019 and has played a key role in the company’s transformation.
Virginia C. Drosos, who has served Signet for 12 years, will retire and step down from the Board of Directors but will continue as an advisor until the end of the fiscal year to ensure a smooth transition.
Signet Chairman Helen McCluskey expressed gratitude for Drosos’ exceptional leadership, noting that under her tenure, the company grew its market share by nearly 50% and significantly boosted its digital business. During Drosos’ leadership, e-commerce sales quadrupled, and the company’s financial performance improved significantly.
Signet currently operates approximately 2,700 stores, with key brands including Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Diamonds Direct, Blue Nile, James Allen, Rocksbox, Peoples Jewellers, H. Samuel, and Ernest Jones.
Vestiaire Collective
European pre-owned fashion and luxury e-retailer Vestiaire Collective announced the appointment of Stacia Carr as Head of Technology and Product, and Jim Freeman as a Board Member.
Stacia Carr was previously Vice President of Customer Experience and Fashion at European fashion e-commerce platform Zalando, where she led engineering and applied science. She also worked at music streaming platform SoundCloud.
Jim Freeman is a pioneer in digital technology and a proponent of artificial intelligence. He previously served as Chief Technology Officer and Head of Business and Product at Zalando and held senior positions at Amazon, including VP of Alexa Communications and Prime Video. Freeman will also act as Vestiaire Collective’s long-term technology strategy advisor.
Both Carr and Freeman are AI industry veterans, and Vestiaire Collective hopes their expertise will enhance the company’s AI capabilities. One such initiative is an AI-powered recommendation tool set to launch by year-end, offering sellers suggested price ranges and showcasing similar items to buyers.
| Sources: Official press releases, Fashion Network
| Image Credit: Official press releases, personal social media accounts of the executives
| Editor: LeZhi
