In Review 2024: This year's biggest C-suite appointments
2024 has seen a lot of change in the fashion and retail industry, with several high-profile businesses changing leaders, appointing new executives and launching new strategies.
As we approach 2025, TheIndustry.fashion has curated a list of 10 of the most important retail appointments of 2024.
H&M Group appointed Daniel Ervér as new CEO after Helena Helmersson stood down
H&M Group named Daniel Ervér as its President & CEO as Helena Helmersson stepped down after four years saying she has found the role – which she undertook during the challenging pandemic era – "very demanding at times for me personally".
Ervér had been with the group for 18 years, most recently as head of its flagship brand H&M. He continues to be operationally responsible for the brands in addition to his CEO role.
Harvey Nichols poached Alexander McQueen EMEA President for CEO role
Harvey Nichols appointed Julia Goddard, previously EMEA President of Alexander McQueen, as its new Chief Executive Officer, in June 2024.
Goddard was previously at Alexander McQueen for almost 14 years where she led the EMEA region as President since 2019 with "dynamic growth and expansion" in wholesale, retail and e-concession channels. This included new flagships in key cities such as London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar – with a "strong focus on retail excellence" and VIP customers.
Ganni appointed former Balenciaga executive as new CEO
Ganni appointed former Balenciaga deputy CEO Laura du Rusquec as its CEO replacing Andrea Baldo who stood down after more than five years in the role. During this time, he notched up double-digit annual growth and established a retail presence for the Danish contemporary women's brand.
Ganni Co-fouder Nicolaj Reffstrup said Baldo, whose long career in fashion has taken in senior roles at Diesel, Marni and Coccinelle, had been "an integral part of Ganni’s journey, steering us through both challenges and opportunities with unmatched dedication. His vision has been crucial in shaping what Ganni is today. We are immensely thankful for his leadership and wish him the best in his future endeavours."
Balmain hired Givenchy Director as CEO
In April, Balmain appointed Matteo Sgarbossa as its Chief Executive Officer, replacing Jean-Jacques Guével, who stepped down after more than four years in the role.
He joined Balmain from Givenchy, where he has served as International Director since July 2020. Prior to this, he held various positions at Mango, as well as Sisley and United Colors of Benetton under Benetton Group.
It came after CEO Jean-Jacques Guével previously announced his exit from the business to "pursue other interests".
Ex-Anthropologie CEO headed for Victoria's Secret
Victoria’s Secret & Co. appointed Hillary Super as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, effective 9 September. Super succeeded Martin Waters in both roles.
Retail veteran Hillary Super brought nearly three decades of retail merchant expertise and a successful track record leading brands at the highest level. Her leadership experience spans intimates, apparel, accessories, beauty and home, where she demonstrated an ability to anticipate consumer needs and drive profitable growth.
She most recently served as CEO of intimates and accessories brand Savage X Fenty. She also previously served as the global CEO of Anthropologie Group, an Urban Outfitters Company.
Nike veteran replaced John Donahoe as CEO
Nike appointed Elliott Hill as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing John Donahoe, who retired after more than four and a half years in the role.
Having begun his career at Nike as an Intern in 1988, Hill has climbed the corporate ladder and since held a number of senior leadership positions across Europe and North America. Before retiring in 2020, he was President of Consumer and Marketplace, leading all commercial and marketing operations for Nike and Jordan. He returned as CEO on 14 October.
Miu Miu CEO exited to take the helm at Dior
In September, Christian Dior Couture announced that Benedetta Petruzzo, Miu Miu’s ex-Chief Executive Officer, would join the storied luxury house as Managing Director, effective 15 October.
Delphine Arnault, Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, confirmed Petruzzo’s arrival, saying: "I am convinced that Benedetta’s talent and leadership will be major assets in the continued development of Dior’s activities and its international influence.
"Her expertise in the luxury market will persist in enhancing the desirability and success of Dior. Together, with the excellence of the teams in place, we will carry on building the future and strengthening our organisation."
Burberry's Boss was replaced after the firm warned over first-half losses amid a slump in sales
Burberry replaced boss Jonathan Akeroyd after just over two years in the job as the luxury fashion firm said it is set to slump to a loss and halted shareholder dividend payouts.
The group said Akeroyd is leaving with immediate effect "by mutual agreement with the board of directors".
He will be replaced as chief executive by former Michael Kors boss Joshua Schulman, who takes on the role from 17 July.
Kering shuffled leadership appointing new Balenciaga and Saint Laurent CEOs
Luxury fashion conglomerate, Kering, appointed Cédric Charbit as CEO of Saint Laurent and Gianfranco Gianangeli as CEO of Balenciaga, effective 2 January 2025.
After an illustrious career in the luxury industry, Cédric Charbit joined Kering in 2012 as Product Strategy Director of Saint Laurent and was subsequently appointed CEO of Balenciaga in 2016. Cédric, who will succeed current Saint Laurent CEO Francesca Bellettini, will leverage his expertise and leadership to further develop the Parisian House.
Gianfranco Gianangeli also boasts a long-spanning career in the luxury industry. He was previously the CEO of Maison Margiela and most recently the Chief Commercial Officer of Saint Laurent. Succeeding Charbit at the helm of Balenciaga, he is tasked with strengthening and expanding the House’s reach and renown.
Givenchy appointed former Louis Vuitton President as its CEO
Luxury French house, Givenchy, appointed Alessandro Valenti, who was most recently EMEA President of Louis Vuitton, to the role of CEO.
Prior to his new appointment, Valenti worked at Versace, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren before heading to LVMH in 2014. His first role at the luxury conglomerate was as Managing Director of Louis Vuitton France and Monaco. He was then appointed President of North-Central Europe and Africa and most recently held the role of EMEA President of Louis Vuitton from 2020.