ashion industry,” festival chair Launa Inman said.
During Lewsey’s time at MFF, he introduced a number of initiatives, such as the Australian Fashion Summit, Shop The Runway, and the revitalisation of the National Designer Award presented by David Jones.
Lewsey said it had been an honour and a privilege to have served at the helm of the festival, and that he was grateful for the support he had received over the years.
“I wholeheartedly feel that I’ve achieved above and beyond what I’d hoped I could for the festival and Victoria’s creative and major event industry sector,” Lewsey said. “I look forward to watching the festival business continue to soar.”
Kerby Jean-Raymond to step down at Reebok
Reebok creative director Kerby Jean-Raymond will step down from his role after just over a year at the business. Jean-Raymond will finish up with the business on March 1.
“I enjoyed my time with Reebok and wish the company well in all of its future endeavours,” the designer stated.
Reebok has not yet named a replacement creative director, Vogue reports. The shoe business was sold to Authentic Brands Group for €2.1 billion in August 2021 by Adidas, and has reportedly failed to turn its struggling sales around.
Reebok president Matt O’Toole wished Jean-Raymond the best, and said his impact at the business would be felt for years to come.
Ross Sudano takes on wine business
Former Reject Shop CEO and managing director Ross Sudano has taken up a CEO role at wine business Tahbilk Group.
Sudano is the first person outside of the Purbrick family to lead the business.
“After 43 years running my family businesses, Tahbilk and the Tahbilk Group, it’s time for me to pass the baton on,” said outgoing CEO Alister Purbrick, who is retiring in June.
As the new CEO of Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery, Sudano will report to the board and oversee the group’s operations based in the Nagambie Lakes region of Victoria. He will also be based at Tahbilk’s corporate office in Melbourne.
Bobux names new CEO
New Zealand kids’ shoe brand Bobux has named its new CEO: Monica Yianakis, former strategic innovation director at Lion.
“The potential for these revolutionary shoes is huge, while they’re already being worn from New Zealand to Germany, there are so many more little feet that can make their childhood journeys in Bobux,” Yianakis said.
Bobux chairperson Paul Connell said the business is thrilled to welcome Yianakis to the position, and believes she will be able to elevate the company into a major international brand.
Bobux’s former CEO, Andrew Sharp, stepped down at the end of July 2021.
