ssist a smooth transition. He will then depart along with several other executives.
Ledru was Tiffany & Co.’s senior vice president of North America between 2013 and 2014. He is excited to rejoin and lead the business.
“The inclusiveness and optimism upon which Tiffany was founded resonate more now than ever,” he said. “Going forward, I have deep confidence in LVMH’s commitment to protect the brand, drive its growth strategy and apply the highest standards of retail excellence to Tiffany. The potential ahead is limitless.”
Fashion e-tailer Zalando announces management shakeup
German fashion e-tailer Zalando announced its co-CEO Rubin Ritter would step down in May this year, despite his contract not ending until November 2023.
Ritter, one of three co-CEOs of Zalando, said it is time to prioritise his wife’s career. He plans to pursue “new interests beyond Zalando”. Robert Gentz and David Schneider will continue to lead Zalando after Ritter’s departure.
The three university friends launched Zalando in 2010, and have seen it grow from a startup to Europe’s leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle. It has more than 14,000 employees and is set to reach more than €10 billion gross merchandise volume for 2020.
Zalando has also named Laura Coppen as its new circularity director. Coppen, who worked as H&M’s sustainable innovation research manager and team lead for circular business development, has been one of the leading forces developing the Swedish fashion retailer’s sustainability and circulatory strategy.
“It was a fun, challenging, game-changing seven years at H&M Group working with so many brilliant minds,” Coppen said. “Thank you all. But this is not the end. Circularity requires industry-wide collaboration. I look forward to continuing the positive drive towards industry-wide change.”
Former Julius Marlow brand manager launches startup
Craig Wissler, former brand manager of Julius Marlow (one of several fashion labels owned by Brand Collective), has launched a new startup with his wife, Jodie Piper.
Sole Collab specialises in product licensing, development and sourcing, and strategic planning.
“Our mission at Sole Collab is to develop original ideas that challenge today and decide what’s next,” Wissler said. “Through methodical, strategic thinking and world-class partnerships, Sole Collab is the curator of sustainable and innovative products and concepts that brighten the world around us.”
Wissler, who has also worked for BC Footwear and Fusion Retail Brands, said their startup began as a way to improve work-life balance and provide more autonomy in his and his wife’s careers.
“Sole Collab has flourished into an incredible opportunity to focus our collective experience in areas that we are genuinely passionate about.”
