LONDON, United Kingdom — BoF compiles the most important professional moves of the week.
Alessandro Benetton Steps Aside as Chairman
Alessandro Benetton is to leave his role as chairman of his family's fashion company to return to private equity fund 21 Partners, which he founded in 1992. The departure will mark the first time in Benetton's 49 year history that a member of the founding family has not been at the helm of the business: longtime Benetton aide Gianni Mion was announced as Alessandro Benetton's replacement. Mion will continue as vice chairman of the Benetton family holding company Edizione Srl, which includes investments in Autogrill SpA, Eurostazioni SpA, World Duty Free SpA and Sintonia SpA.
Roger Farah Retires From Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Corp. executive vice chairman Roger Farah has announced his retirement, effective at the end of May. Farah will remain on the board of directors until Ralph Lauren's annual shareholders meeting in August. "During his tenure, Roger helped us assume direct control of our most strategically important regions and merchandise categories, evolving our company into a highly profitable, global business. He's cultivated an impressive team of leaders who are ready to build on the strong foundation he has established. I wish Roger and his family all the best," said Ralph Lauren in a statement.
Jo Ellison Named Financial Times Fashion Editor
Jo Ellison will become fashion editor of The Financial Times in August, taking up the role left vacant by Vanessa Friedman's departure to The New York Times. Ellison is currently the features director of British Vogue. “Jo is a hugely talented writer with deep experience in the fashion industry and a sharp eye for style and detail," Lionel Barber, editor of the Financial Times said in statement. Ellison is a former features editor at the Independent and started her career at the Irish Examiner.
Belstaff Taps Gavin Haig as Chief Executive
Brit Gavin Haig is set to join Labelux-owned Belstaff, following 20 years at Richemont. Haig leaves his role as international managing director of Cartier. Haig’s 25 year luxury career has seen the executive hold roles in London, Paris, Geneva and Tokyo, where he was simultaneously president and chief executive officer of Cartier and Richemont Japan. Haig has also held roles at Alfred Dunhill and Wedgwood. “He is an outstanding luxury leader with proven skills in all the areas that Belstaff will focus on in the years ahead," Reinhard Mieck, Labelux's chief executive, said of Haig.
Paul Beesley to Take up Hudson Bay Chief Financial Officer Role
Paul Beesley will become chief financial officer of Hudson’s Bay Co., on June 1st. The experienced executive spent 14 years at Canadian company Empire Co. Ltd., before being selected to take up the role from which Michael Culhane resigned in February. Prior to Empire Co. Ltd., Beesley held the role of vice president and chief financial officer of The Globe and Mail Co. "[Beesley is] an accomplished professional who has contributed to the financial, strategic and operational progress of several leading corporations. His broad range of capabilities includes expertise in finance, capital markets and REITs," said Richard Baker, Hudson’s Bay's chief executive officer.
Deborah Weinswig Joins Fung Group
Deborah Weinswig, previously of Citi Bank where she spent 12 years as a retail analyst, is joining Fung Group as executive director and head of global retail research and intelligence. Weinswig is tasked with providing "insights into disruptive technology trends and innovation reshaping the global landscape for the retail industry worldwide.” Weinswig told press: “You have the tech companies getting into retail, retail companies getting into tech and you’re starting to see a convergence. It’s still early, but I think you’re starting to see it and we want to make sure we’re right at the forefront.”
Paul Buckter Appointed North American Brioni Chief Executive
Paul Buckter is set to exit his role as Canali's North American wholesale director to become Brioni's chief executive in the region. “Paul is a proven leader with decades of experience in the US market. His skill and insight will help us strengthen our successful position in this critical region. I look forward to working with Paul and the US team as we grow and expand Brioni globally,” said Brioni’s global chief executive Francesco Pesci. Buckter's career began on the shop floor of Barney's New York. In the subsequent years, he held roles at Escada and Hugo Boss. He succeeds Todd T. Barrato.
