Ganni
Danish fashion brand Ganni has appointed Stephane Akchote as Executive Director of Global Wholesale and Franchise, a newly created role.
In his new position, Stephane Akchote will lead the expansion of the brand’s indirect commercial channels, with the aim of consolidating Ganni’s presence in core markets and accelerating penetration in international markets.
Stephane Akchote brings extensive experience in the fashion industry and international sales, with expertise in commercial network management and the development of strategic partnerships. Most recently, he served as Global Wholesale and Franchise Director at Ami Paris. He has previously held senior management positions at Az Factory, Christian Dior Couture, Maison Margiela and Acne Studios, overseeing sales, franchising, international distribution and business development.
Silhouette
Austrian eyewear brand Silhouette has appointed Christian Bachler as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, effective April 13.
Christian Bachler succeeds CEO Reinhard Mahr, who will continue to support the company as Chief Financial Officer until his planned retirement to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.
Christian Bachler has more than 20 years of international management experience, with deep expertise in brand management, portfolio strategy, and operational excellence. He previously served as Executive Vice President of the Fiskars Group, where he was responsible for the global Vita business unit. During his tenure, he managed a portfolio of well-known premium and luxury brands and drove strategic and operational development across core markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He also held various management positions at Swarovski, with a particular focus on product, design and marketing.
Kendra Scott
US fashion jewellery brand Kendra Scott has announced the following executive appointments:
- Adrienne Gernand as Chief Commercial Officer, a newly created role, effective April 27;
- Mike McMullen as Chief Financial Officer, effective April 27.
Above: Adrienne Gernand, Mike McMullen
In her new role, Adrienne Gernand will be responsible for strengthening the company’s strategic category expansion, enhancing scalable operational capabilities, and advancing the brand vision.
Adrienne Gernand most recently served as President and Managing Director of Gap International and B2B. She spent many years with the Gap Group, previously overseeing retail, wholesale, licensing and real estate operations across brands including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and The Children’s Place.
Mike McMullen has a strong track record in building and scaling consumer goods businesses, with extensive expertise in driving sustainable growth in domestic and international markets. As Kendra Scott continues to advance its long-term strategic plan, he will play a key role in establishing the financial and operational foundations required to support the company’s next phase of expansion.
Mike McMullen is a seasoned finance executive with more than 20 years of experience in branded consumer products at YETI Holdings and Dell Technologies. During his tenure at YETI, he supported the company’s rapid scaling, including contributing to its successful IPO, and significantly expanded YETI’s international and direct-to-consumer businesses.
Pitti Immagine
Pitti Immagine, the Italian fashion exhibition organiser and the organiser of Florence menswear trade show Pitti Uomo, has completed a leadership reshuffle:
- Antonio De Matteis has been reappointed as Chairman for the 2026–2028 three-year term;
- Antonella Mansi has been reappointed as Vice Chair.
Above: Antonio De Matteis, Antonella Mansi
Antonio De Matteis will continue to lead Pitti Immagine, ensuring strategic continuity at a critical stage for the organisation. The objective of the new three-year term is to further strengthen Pitti’s exhibitions as strategic hubs for Italian companies expanding into international markets. Key priorities for the next term include establishing a new organisational management model, cost control, the adoption of new technologies, and the timely expansion of exhibition activities and the business portfolio.
At the same time, Giovanni Basagni, Stefano Borsini, Ercole Botto Poala, Marco Landi, Niccolò Moschini, Raffaello Napoleone, Lorenzo Nencini, and Marco Palmieri have been reappointed as board members. Three new directors — Paolo Carrai, Ivano Cauli, and Laura Tonatto — have joined the board.
Notably, the board includes professionals from the food and fragrance sectors, reflecting Pitti’s determination to further strengthen its positioning as a lifestyle platform beyond pure fashion.
John Lewis
British premium department store John Lewis has appointed Jacqui Markham as its new Fashion Creative Director.
In her new role, Jacqui Markham will succeed Queralt Ferrer and assume full responsibility for the creative direction of John Lewis’s own-brand fashion business, covering womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear.
Jacqui Markham has an outstanding track record of creating distinctive and commercially successful collections, with a strong focus on design, quality, and meeting consumer needs. She most recently served as Creative Director at Whistles and previously held positions as Global Design Director at Topshop and Design Director at ASOS.
Debenhams Group
Debenhams Group, the British retail group that owns brands including Boohoo and PrettyLittleThing, has appointed Nikki Tattersall as its new Chief Product Officer.
Nikki Tattersall’s appointment is intended to help accelerate the transformation and revival of the group’s young fashion brands. Her responsibilities include leading the development of product strategies for each young brand, with a focus on optimising product portfolios and reinforcing distinct brand positioning.
Nikki Tattersall has a strong track record in identifying and building brands with broad influence. She previously spent 15 years at ASOS in senior buying and product roles, most recently serving as Buying Director.
| Source: Official press releases, imille, personal social media accounts
| Image Credit: Personal social media accounts, official press releases
| Editor: Luxeplace
