Filippa K appoints new CEO with focus on international growth

Scandinavian fashion brand Filippa K has appointed Rikard Frost as its new CEO, effective from 1 April, 2021. In the meantime, Erik Björk will continue as interim CEO for the brand.

As a Swedish native, the appointment sees Frost return to his home country from New York, where he was based in his role as Chief Consumer Officer for Alexander Wang.

Frost also spent over a decade leading digital transformation at Acne Studios – seeing it grow from a local denim brand to an internationally acclaimed luxury fashion house. His ability to define e-commerce for the luxury fashion landscape was a key factor behind the elevation of the brand’s expression, customer experience and reach, and he joins Filippa K with real global experience and direct-to-consumer expertise.

Joakim Skarborg, CEO of Filippa K owner Novax, and Board Chairman of Filippa K, said: “Filippa K is on a path of international growth with great potential, and I’m happy to announce Rikard’s appointment to the company.

“As an industry veteran with a proven track record of helping brands to grow and thrive on a global scale, we believe he is a natural fit to work with the strong team at Filippa K in continuing to expand the brand and the business.”

Frost added: “Joining this iconic Scandinavian brand is an irresistible opportunity. I’m looking forward to furthering the development of its fantastic products and sustainable values.

“These attributes, alongside the company’s exceptional reputation, provide the basis for reaching new audiences and growing far beyond the current Scandinavian home market. Most importantly, they enable us to drive real change within the fashion industry on a global scale which is something I care deeply for also at a personal level.”

Founded by Filippa Knutsson, Filippa K is a household name in the Nordics that today is owned by Novax, the investment arm of Axel Johnson, and the founders.

With an emphasis on the sustainable creation of timeless and long-lasting pieces, the company offers collections of ready to wear clothing for women and men, as well as a women’s athleisure line.

Over the past three decades Filippa K has expanded globally, significantly increasing both its physical and digital presence to currently trade in 72 markets.