an.  “This new partnership at the helm of the company, appointed by the board of Chanel Limited (UK), will further ensure long-term success as a private company, believing in the freedom of creation, cultivating human potential and acting to have a positive impact in the world,” the company said in a statement.  “Nair has built a global reputation for progressive and human-centred leadership, delivering significant business impact.”  Kathmandu hires international team to lead expansion New Zealand-based outdoor giant Kathmandu has just hired a new general manager of international, Alexandre Gilbert, who will be driving the overseas growth of the business. According to a statement from the brand, Gilbert will be focusing on expansion across Europe, Asia and North America. Kathmandu has also set up showrooms across Germany, France, UK and Canada and the business has also made several appointments across key global markets: Mathieu Lefin, President Rip Curl & Kathmandu, Europe Etienne Lassus, European Sales Manager Florian Ascher, Country Manager Rip Curl & Kathmandu, Germany, Austria, Switzerland Max Wallder, UK Sales Manager Nick Russell, VP Sales and Marketing Rip Curl & Kathmandu, Canada Eric Eichberger, Sales Manager Kathmandu, Canada Booktopia starts chapter with new head of brand and comms Booktopia has just hired a new head of brand and communications, Adam Freedman, who is taking over from Mark Harding as he starts a new venture in the literary space.  Freedman, who was previously head of PR and communications at Finder, will now oversee the growth of Booktopia’s brand awareness and consumer engagement in the Australian market. He will oversee the company’s brand-led activities and focus on building its PR, influencer and social content.  Freedman will report to chief marketing officer, Steffen Daleng. “I’m delighted to welcome Adam to the Booktopia family. He brings a wealth of insight, experience and creativity to the business with a pedigree of working with big brands and helping to propel them forward in smart and strategic ways,” said Daleng in a statement.  “In parallel, I’d like to thank Mark for all of his contributions to Booktopia. He has spearheaded some great initiatives that have helped set us up for success and I wish him all the best with his new career path.” AusPost hires former Google exec in new CX role Australia Post has just hired its first ever executive general manager customer experience and digital.  Former managing director of Google Melbourne and Government Leonie Valentine will be stepping into the new role in January next year and will lead key functions including customer services, digital channels, data science, payments and financial services, according to AusPost. Valentine previously worked at Google, CSL and Telstra with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations. “Leonie’s global experience at Google will help lead us into the next chapter as we continue to transform our business,” said Australia Post Group CEO and managing director Paul Graham in a statement.  Ted Baker announces death of chairman  Ted Baker chairman John Barton has passed away, the British fashion company announced recently. “John was a source of great wisdom for me and for so many of us at Ted Baker and we will hugely miss his support and guidance. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Anne, and their family,” Ted Baker chief executive Rachel Osborne said in a statement. Senior independent director Helena Feltham assumes the role of interim chairman with immediate effect. On behalf of the board, Feltham extended her sympathies to Barton’s family.  “John combined a generosity of spirit with insight, humility and humour and we will all miss him,” she said.  Barton joined the board as chair in July 2020, having previously served as chair of Next plc and Cable and Wireless plc. JD Sports recruits former Amazon executive JD Sports Fashion has appointed former Amazon executive Mahbobeh Sabetnia as non-executive director on its board following the departure of Heather Jackson after more than six years. “I would like to thank Heather for her valuable contribution to the Board throughout the last six years. During that period, the Company has developed considerably to become one of the UK’s prominent global retailers. I wish her all the best for the future,” JD Sports executive chairman Peter Cowgill said in a statement.  On welcoming Mahbobeh, Cowgill said her digital and e-commerce experience and expertise “will add significantly to the balance and skill sets of the JD Board”. “I have every confidence that she will be a real asset, as we continue the global expansion of our best in class digital and physical retail proposition. The appointment of Mahbobeh will further strengthen the Board for the benefit of all stakeholders,” he said.  Former ASOS chief financial officer Helen Ashton also joined the board as non-executive director in November.