LONDON, United Kingdom — BoF compiles the most important professional moves of the week.
Daniel Lalonde Named Chief Executive of SMCP
Daniel Lalonde will join SMCP (Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot) in May in the role of chief executive. “We are delighted with Daniel’s arrival at SMCP. He brings extensive experience to the group, particularly in the context of the international development of our brands and the expansion of our product lines, which are both significant growth opportunities for our group,” said Sandro and Maje founders Evelyne Chétrite and Judith Milgrom in a statement. Veteran executive Lalonde joins the group from Ralph Lauren, where he was international president. Previously, Lalonde was president and chief executive of Louis Vuitton, North America.
Richard Cohen Appointed Chief Executive of Trinity Group
Trinity Limited — an investment branch of the Li & Fung Group, that operates the Gieves & Hawkes and Cerruti 1881 brands, among others — has appointed Richard Cohen chief executive. In conjunction, Sunny Wong Yat Ming is to be promoted to executive director. "Richard's international brand-building expertise in luxury menswear, along with continued access to Sunny's knowledge of China retail, is a powerful combination as we move Trinity's 'Global Brands, Global Networks strategy' to the next stage," said Victor K Fung, chairman of Trinity and The Fung Group, in a statement. Cohen acted as president and chief executive of Ermenegildo Zegna for North America from 1988 to 2004. He has since been senior vice president of business development at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Burberry Taps Julian Payne as Vice President of PR and Corporate Relations
Julian Payne has been appointed vice president of PR and corporate relations at Burberry, effective immediately. The role has a global remit and Payne will report to Sarah Manley, chief marketing officer of Burberry. Previously, Payne was the British Broadcasting Corporation’s head of press and media relations, following roles at BskyB and BBC Radio 1. Payne is “an expert in brand and corporate communication [who] will help drive the global communication strategy in the next phase of Burberry’s evolution,” said a company spokesperson.
Todd Barrato Exits Brioni
Brioni’s chief executive of North America is to exit the Italian label on May 3rd. A long-serving member of staff, Barrato joined Brioni 20 years ago and came to prominence in the company by playing a crucial role in developing and structuring the brand’s wholesale business and global retail proposition. “During his 20 years with us, Todd successfully enhanced [Brioni's] legacy, growing wholesale sales and increasing market share in the retail network,” said the company in a statement. Barrato’s successor has yet to be identified.
Ingo Wilts Returns to Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss has announced the return of designer Ingo Wilts to the brand. Wilts has been named senior vice president of Boss' menswear, a role created for him, in which he will oversee the entirety of the brand's menswear range as of July 1st. Wilts formerly held the role of creative director of the Boss Black, Boss Selection and Boss Green divisions, before leaving the company in 2009. Wilts re-joins Boss from Tommy Hilfiger, where he is creative director of menswear. Wilts has also held design positions at Elie Tahari and Kenneth Cole.
Ian Hylton to Become President and Chief Executive of Ms Min
Ian Hylton, Ports' menswear designer since 2006, has tendered his resignation, to join his wife Min Liu at her ready-to-wear label Ms Min. Hylton will remain on Ports' board and the departure has been characterised as amicable. Whilst at Ports, Hylton played a key role in the brand's retail rollout and the "conceptualizing and executing" of the brand's Italian made luxury line Ports 1961. Looking to the future Hylton told press, “I have an amazing amount of admiration for Min’s talent and I am extremely excited to put my expertise behind the brand.”
Editor’s Note: This article was revised on 14 April, 2014. An earlier version of this article misstated Victor K Fung's title. He is chairman of Trinity and The Fung Group.
