Canada Goose announces new CFO
By Anil Prabha
Luxury outerwear brand Canada Goose has announced that current deputy CFO Neil Bowden will step into the role of CFO, while its current CFO Jonathan Sinclair will become the new president for APAC. Both appointments are effective April 1, 2024.
Bowden currently oversees the global finance team at Canada Goose, having been with the luxury brand for more than seven years. He played an integral role during the IPO, the brand said.
Sinclair has an extensive luxury retail background with more than 20 years of global financial and operational experience, having held chief operating officer roles with Jimmy Choo and Vertu.
In addition, Larry Li, current president of Mainland China, has been named chief operating officer of APAC, effective January 1, 2024.
Li has more than 20 years of luxury experience leading global brands across the APAC region and in his tenure at Canada Goose has overseen a period of significant expansion and growth in China.
In his new role, he will expand his oversight to include regional teams across commercial, marketing and operations. A search for a new president of Mainland China is well underway.
Hearts On Fire appoints Dave Zhou as China GM
By Anil Prabha
Hearts On Fire, the internationally recognised jewellery brand, has appointed Dave Zhou as general manager of China, reporting to Rita Maltez, the brand’s global president.
With over 20 years’ experience in Greater China, Zhou will spearhead the brand’s development and growth in Mainland China as part of a strategic transformation program to position it in the luxury marketplace.
Prior to joining Hearts On Fire, Zhou held regional leadership roles for Hermès, Bottega Veneta and Lanvin, and most recently for bridal group Pronovias, where he was Asia managing director.
In his new role, Zhou will lead the China team responsible for commercial, marketing and communications, customer engagement, and retail operations.
Walgreens Boots Alliance names Neal Sample EVP and CIO
By Anil Prabha
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced Neal Sample as its new executive vice president and CIO, effective immediately.
Sample will report to WBA CEO Tim Wentworth as a member of the executive committee and serve on the IT governance committee.
He has been working alongside WBA technology leaders over the course of the last month to assess and advance the company’s technology goals.
Moving forward, he will lead the strategy for WBA’s IT function and the implementation of its technology and digital innovation, with an emphasis on improving the digital experience for customers and patients, as WBA continues its next phase of growth into a customer-centric healthcare company.
Sample is an award-winning technologist and seasoned executive who has a strong track record of driving growth and innovation.
He brings more than 20 years of deep experience across highly regulated industries including healthcare, financial services and consumer internet, and has worked at start-ups and legacy Fortune 100 companies.
Weldon Spangler named TGI Fridays CEO in sudden transition
By Sean Cao
Restaurant chain TGI Fridays has appointed its longtime board member Weldon Spangler as CEO to replace Brandon Coleman, who resigned for personal reasons.
According to the company, Spangler will be in charge of leading the growth plan to revitalise the brand on a global scale.
With over 30 years of experience, Spangler has served successful tenures at Subway, Papa Murphy’s, Dunkin’ Brands, and Starbucks.
Rohit Manocha, co-founder of TriArtisan Capital, the controlling shareholder of TGI Fridays, will continue to collaborate closely with Spangler as the active chairman of the company.
On his appointment, Spangler said he will work with the board to execute a new growth-oriented business plan focused on revitalizing TGI Fridays.
Founded in 1965, the chain currently operates nearly 700 restaurants in 51 countries.
