ASOS appoints José Ramos Calamonte as CEO
ASOS has today announced the appointment of José Antonio Ramos Calamonte as Chief Executive Officer and Jørgen Lindemann as Chairman.
Ramos Calamonte, who is currently Chief Commercial Officer of ASOS, will become CEO and a member of the ASOS Board with immediate effect.
He is an experienced international retailer, with deep multichannel experience and a track record of driving innovation. In an 18-year career in retail, José has led on commercial strategy for high-profile brands including Inditex, Esprit and Carrefour Spain, having started his career at McKinsey.
He joined ASOS from leading Portuguese fashion company, Salsa Jeans, where he held the position of Chief Executive Officer for almost two years.
According to ASOS, Ramos Calamonte has made a significant impact since he joined to lead the commercial function in January 2021, taking responsibility for driving ASOS’ product and trading strategy globally, encompassing design, sourcing, garment technology, buying and merchandising, global trading, ASOS Studios and creative.
Jørgen Lindemann, who joined the ASOS Board as a non-executive director on 1 November 2021, will become Chairman, succeeding Ian Dyson, with effect from 1 August 2022, when Ian will step down. Dyson first outlined his intention to step down from the Board in December 2021, reflecting the fact that he has been on the ASOS Board since October 2013. Dyson will become the Chairman of electricals retailer Currys.
In addition to his role on the ASOS Board, Lindemann is currently the Chair of Miinto, the Danish-based online fashion marketplace and a Board member of Bambuser AB. He is the former President and CEO of Modern Times Group, the Sweden-based digital entertainment business and recently stood down from the Board of Zalando following five-years as a non-executive director.
Ian Dyson, Chair of ASOS, said: “José is the right person to lead ASOS through the next phase of growth and the Board is delighted that he is becoming CEO at such an important time. Since he joined the business, José has made an enormous contribution, driving change through our commercial function and bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the core product and trading functions of the business. José was a core part of the executive team that developed ASOS’ strategy, outlined last year, against which we are making continued progress, in spite of the backdrop of difficult market conditions.”
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte added: “I joined ASOS because it is a business I had admired for a long time. I am excited at the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with the Board, the rest of the executive team and all our ASOS colleagues to deliver every day for our customers around the world and to create sustainable long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Jørgen Lindemann commented: “The Board of ASOS is clearly focused on ensuring we continue to make progress against our strategy, in spite of the unprecedented external challenges the business is facing. I look forward to working with José and the rest of the team to ensure delivery against our stated ambitions.”
British fashion retailer New Look has also confirmed today that Chief Commercial Officer Helen Connolly will step up to the role of CEO, effective immediately.
