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Power Moves | CEO Changes at Balmain and Kering-Owned Brioni

This week, Balmain announces Massimo Piombini’s successor, while Kering appoints a group executive to the helm of Brioni.
Jean-Jacques Guével | Source: Courtesy
By
  • Rachel Deeley

LONDON, United Kingdom — BoF compiles the most important professional moves of the week.

Kering appoints CEO of Brioni

Kering-owned Brioni has named Mehdi Benabadji chief executive, taking effect January 1, 2020. Benabadji was previously chief operations officer at Kering and replaces Fabrizio Malverdi, who is leaving the group. He will report to Group Managing Director Jean-François Palus.

Balmain names CEO

Balmain has appointed Jean-Jacques Guével chief executive, February 2020. He joins the company from Zadig & Voltaire where he held the same position. Guével replaces Massimo Piombini, whose departure from the company was announced earlier this month. He has since been named chief executive of Diesel.

Pandora taps CMO from Bulgari

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Carla Liuni has joined Pandora as chief marketing officer, effective March 2020. Formerly vice president of global marketing and communication at Bulgari, she will report to Pandora Chief Executive Alexander Lacik in her new role. 

Natura adds to board of directors

As it closes in on its acquisition of Avon, cosmetics group Natura has appointed three new members to its board: Nancy Killefer, a retired senior partner at McKinsey & Company; Andrew G. McMaster, Jr., who was deputy chief executive and vice chair at Deloitte & Touche prior to retirement; and W. Don Cornwell, former chairman and chief executive of Granite Broadcasting Corporation and a member of Avon’s board since 2002. 

Fiorucci names men’s creative lead

Fiorucci has named Daniel W Fletcher menswear creative director. The designer, who prior to the appointment was running his namesake line, will show his debut collection for the brand during London Fashion Week Men’s in January 2020. 

Kate Spade CEO to exit

Anna Bakst is leaving her post as chief executive of Kate Spade at the end of 2019, after less than two years in the role. Joanne Crevoiserat, chief financial officer of parent company Tapestry Inc., will step in to assume Bakst’s responsibilities on an interim basis.

Bonobos founder leaves Walmart

Andy Dunn, founder of men’s retailer Bonobos, is exiting Walmart, with his departure taking effect in 2020, according to a statement on his LinkedIn page. Dunn joined Walmart in 2017 as senior vice president of digital consumer brands, after the retail giant acquired his company for $310 million. 

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