But almost three weeks later, after two shows and an industry overflowing with speculation, Dior have failed to silence the rumor mill or give any indication of just who is going to replace him.
Although far more recent, the same goes for Pringle of Scotland and Trussardi 1911, who have recently parted ways with their creative directors: Claire Waight Keller and Milan Vukmirovic respectively.
Louis Vuitton were swift to announce the replacement of Paul Helbers by Kim Jones, as the immediate successor for director of menswear. As Bacarrat CEO Hervé Martin announced his resignation, set for March 31 and Christie’s chief operating officer, Lisa King, resigned after 15 years with the company.
The industry is abuzz with appointments and exits, with new CEO’s at Pucci and Givenchy and appointments to the board for Hermès and Estee Lauder. Realistically this may just be the beginning, as if Dior hire away another big name from another big label, it is sure to set off another chain of replacement events within the industry.
Alessandra Carra, CEO, Pucci
Succeeding Didier Drouet, Alessandra Carra has been named CEO of Emilio Pucci, reporting to Pierre-Yves Roussel, president of the LVMH fashion division. Carra was previously the CEO of Polo Ralph Lauren Italy and license countries, where she has been since 2004. Prior to that she held positions at Valentino and Trussardi.
Christopher de Lapuente, global president and CEO, Sephora
Formerly a group president of P&G’s second largest division, Global Hair, Christopher de Lapuente recently joined the LVMH group as the global CEO of Sephora and member of the LVMH Executive Committee.“Christopher de Lapuente will bring to the Group a wealth of international experience; his know-how will be a precious asset for the global growth of Sephora and add to the continued success of LVMH” remarked group CEO Bernard Arnault.
Wei Sun Christianson, director of the board, Estée Lauder
Managing director and CEO for China at Morgan Stanley, Wei Sun Christianson, has been appointed to the Estée Lauder Companies board of directors. Executive chairman William P Lauder remarked: “We are delighted to welcome Wei Sun Christianson to our board of directors. Her extensive financial expertise, strong business acumen and understanding of China will be invaluable to our board and management team as we continue to grow in China and other key emerging markets."
Michael Mendenhall, president and COO, Lipman
Creators of advertising for luxury brands like Georg Jensen, Burberry and Diane von Furstenberg, Lipman agency has recently restructured its executive team, appointing former SVP and chief marketing officer at Hewlett-Packard, Michael Mendenhall, as their president and COO. Founder, David Lipman, is remaining at the agency as chairman, joined by Andrew M. Spellman, chief executive and director. The three parties have formed and financed a company, Lipman Acquisition Partners, that is buying Lipman from Mr. Lipman for an undisclosed sum.
Julie Thompson, digital director, L’Oréal
Appointed to a newly created role for the luxury division of L’Oreal, Julie Thompson has been named the first ever digital director, to manage all digital activity across its luxury brands, including Lancôme and Shu Uemura. Thompson was most recently vice-president of digital and CRM for Lancôme, at a time that the company had digital heads for its consumer and hair care businesses but not its luxury division.
Eric De Seynes, chairman of supervisory board, Hermès
Replacing Jerome Guerrand, sixth-generation member of the Hermès dynasty, Eric de Seynes has been appointed chairman of the supervisory board. De Seynes is currently the chief executive of Yamaha Motor France and has been a member of several Hermes controle commitees since 2005.
Sue Whiteley, CEO, Givenchy
Former managing director of Louis Vuitton for the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, Sue Whiteley was recently appointed as CEO of Givenchy replacing Fabrizio Malverdi, who has moved to Dior Homme. Prior to her roles within LVMH, Whiteley served as buying director for Harvey Nichols and president and CEO of Alexander McQueen.
Frederic Cumenal, executive vice president, Tiffany & Co
Following the announcement of James E. Quinn’s retirement in early 2012, Frederic Cumenal has been named executive vice president of Tiffany & Co, effective March 10, 2011. Most recently he was the president and chief executive officer of Moët & Chandon, as part of the LVMH Group.
Giulia Pessina, worldwide public relations director, Ermenegildo Zegna Group
In a new role for the Italian luxury men’s wear company, Ermenegildo Zegna Group, Giulia Pessina has been appointed as worldwide public relations director. Previously, Pessina worked in a similar role at Brisoni, following service at Sergio Rossi and Alberta Ferretti.
René Camilleri, director of sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Middle East
An employee of Starwood since 2005, in various sales and marketing positions across several group brands, René Camilleri has been named director of sales for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. He will be responsible for promoting over 1,000 hotels spanning over 100 countries and territories across four divisions and nine brands within the Middle East, Greece and Turkey.
Marcia Mazzocchi, general manager, Parmigiani Americas
Most recently the US President of the Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard brands and the former US President of A. Lange & Söhne, Marcia Mazzocchi has been appointed general manager of the Americas for Parmigiani Fleurier. Parmigiani CEO Jean Marc Jacot remarked: “We are thrilled to have Marcia as part of our executive team and know that with her great experience we are positioning the Parmigiani brand for tremendous success in the Americas.”
