than seven years in 2009. Wilkinson oversaw the growth of Crumpler for more than five years and led the integration of iconic swimwear brand Tigerlily into the business last year, after it came out of voluntary administration. According to PAS Group CEO Eric Morris, Wilkinson’s appointment reflects an increased focus on expanding the business’ portfolio of more than 15 brands and licenses.  These include Review, Yarra Trail, Marco Polo, Black Pepper, Breakaway, Everlast, Lonsdale and Bluey, which are sold through own stores and wholesale partners, such as Kmart, Rebel and David Jones. Earlier this week, PAS announced that it will be bringing back Italian denim giant Replay into the Australian and New Zealand market. “It indicates that we’re looking to bring a lot of new business into the organisation,” Eric Morris, CEO of PAS Group, told Inside Retail of Wilkinson’s appointment. “Replay is the first new brand, but we’ll be looking at others along the way.”  Esther & Co GM Travis Wright exits, former Mosaic Brands exec steps in Womenswear online retailer Esther & Co has just announced today that general manager Travis Wright has recently exited the company, with former Mosaic Brands executive John Hardy stepping into her role. Wright has been at Esther & Co for almost seven years and according to founder and CEO Talita Estelle, she has been “a driving force” at the business, where she helped the brand experience more than five times growth.  “It has been an incredible journey with her on board and so it is with a heavy heart we announce her departure. The team would like to take this opportunity to thank Travis for all that she has done for Esther and wish her all the love & luck for her next adventure,” Estelle said in a LinkedIn post. John Hardy was previously at fashion giant Mosaic Brands for almost 10 years, half of which time he was general manager. During his tenure at the business, he led Rockmans, which had an annual turnover of $175 million across 300 stores. “From the minute I met John, I knew he was the right person to scale Esther to new heights,” Estelle said. “His insurmountable knowledge of the fashion e-commerce space, combined with his agile and analytical mind makes John the perfect ally to help Esther take the next big steps in the world of fashion.” Levene founder David Levene dies at 91 Sir David Levene, New Zealand philanthropist and founder of paint and wallpaper business Levene, has died at age 91. An admired businessman and philanthropist who was knighted in 2010 for his services to the business and the community, Levene took over the small paint and wallpaper store founded by his father Lewis and his uncle Mark in 1952 and grew the business into a nationwide chain with 52 stores and several supplier factories. He sold the company to Skellerup Group in 1994, which, unfortunately, was placed in receivership along with Skellerup’s other businesses three years later. At age 65, Levene created a new investment group that included property development company Quadrant Properties in its portfolio. He also launched the David Levene Foundation, which supported several community groups, including Outward Bound, one of New Zealand’s leading and longest-running organisations that helps youth reach their full potential through outdoor challenges and adventure camps.  Former L’Oreal exec to head Live Verdure’s soon-to-launch skincare brand Former L’Oreal executive Mark Tucker has joined science-based nutraceutical company Live Verdure to head its soon-to-launch skincare brand, 8 Seeds. In his new role as general manager, Tucker will oversee the development of 8 Seeds and work with Live Verdure as a strategic advisor. He will work closely with the company’s partner THG Ingenuity to launch and scale the skincare brand globally. Tucker, who was appointed to Live Verdure’s advisory board in June, held the position of managing director for eight years at L’Oreal Australia, and as general manager – consumer for six years before that. “Since coming on board earlier in the year, Mark has already proven his value to the business,” said Ran Vaingold, Live Verdure’s managing director and co-founder. Live Verdure is an Australian direct-to-customer plant-based food, nutraceutical and skincare company that is behind the health and wellness brand 13 Seeds.