In Review 2025: This year's biggest C-suite appointments
2025 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 2026, TheIndustry.fashion has curated a list of 10 of the most important retail appointments of 2025.
Valentino appointed Riccardo Bellini as CEO
Valentino named industry veteran Riccardo Bellini as its new CEO, effective 1 September.
Bellini replaced Jacopo Venturini. He is an experienced industry executive with stints at Chloé and Maison Margiela under his belt. Since January of this year, he has been Managing Director of Mayhoola Investments LLC, the investment vehicle that counts Valentino and Balmain among its brands. He will now step down from that role.
Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Chairman of Valentino, said the appointment of Bellini, which follows that of ex-Gucci designer Alessandro Michele as Creative Director last year, was part of the plan to accelerate the trajectory of the Italian brand.
British Fashion Council appointed new CEO
The British Fashion Council appointed Laura Weir as its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Caroline Rush CBE, who exited the organisation in June 2025.
Described as a leader in the global fashion industry, Weir brought a knowledge of British designers, executive board-level experience in retail, and editorial industry leadership to the BFC. She took on the new role from 28 April 2025.
At the time of the announcement, David Pemsel, Chair of the British Fashion Council, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Weir as the incoming CEO of the BFC. Laura has worked alongside established and emerging designers, creative talent, industry leaders and press throughout her career over the past two decades."
SKIMS appointed President of Europe as it prepares first UK standalone store
SKIMS accelerated its global expansion with the appointment of Robin Gendron as President of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Gendron, formerly President of EMEA at Michael Kors, brings 15 years of experience across wholesale, retail, merchandising and operations.
The hire coincided with the brand’s high-profile UK launch, including its first standalone store on London’s Regent Street, which will occupy a 12,000 sq ft unit previously home to Ted Baker. Scheduled to open in summer 2026, the Regent Street store marks a pivotal step for the $4 billion (£2.95 billion) shapewear, swimwear, and loungewear brand, bringing an immersive retail experience to one of London’s most iconic shopping destinations.
Mytheresa appointed ex-Christie's exec as new CEO
Francis Belin was appointed CEO of Mytheresa, effective 1 January 2026, as the luxury multi-brand digital platform continues to evolve under LuxExperience alongside Net-A-Porter, Mr Porter and YOOX.
Belin, who most recently served as President Asia Pacific and oversaw global Luxury and Asian Art at Christie’s, brings extensive international luxury experience and a deep understanding of high-net-worth clients worldwide. His leadership there helped cement Christie’s secure landmark collections and acquisitions, such as California-based car auction house Gooding & Company. Belin’s career also spans senior roles at Swarovski and Richemont.
He succeeds Michael Kliger, who has led Mytheresa for the past decade, transforming it into a leading luxury multi-brand digital platform. Kliger, now CEO of LuxExperience Group, will continue to oversee the wider strategy for Mytheresa, Net-A-Porter, Mr Porter and YOOX.
Net-a-Porter confirmed new CEO amid wider leadership appointments
As Belin steps into the role of CEO of Mytheresa, Heather Kaminetsky came in as the new CEO of Net-a-Porter, responsible for defining and driving a re-energised customer proposition.
Kaminetsky joined Mytheresa in 2021 as President North America and helped to drive "tremendous growth" in the US and Canada. She held multiple executive positions at various companies before joining Mytheresa, including at Net-a-Porter, where she was previously Vice President Global Marketing until 2016.
M&S switched up its leadership, appointing ex-Boohoo CEO to drive clothing business
In February, Marks & Spencer appointed a new Managing Director of Clothing, Home & Beauty, as well as a new Director of M&S Woman and Director of Home & Beauty, as it set out to "transform" its Clothing, Home & Beauty business.
Ex-Boohoo CEO John Lyttle joined as Managing Director of Clothing, Home & Beauty in a planned succession. He brought extensive retail and transformation experience, having spent five years at Boohoo and nine years at Primark as COO.
At the time, Lyttle said: "Marks & Spencer is somewhere I have always wanted to work, and it is a real privilege to join the Clothing, Home & Beauty business at a time when there is both so much momentum and opportunity. I can’t wait to get started."
Victoria Beckham welcomed former Dior director as new CEO
Victoria Beckham appointed Sybille Darricarrère Lunel as Chief Executive Officer of her London-based fashion brand in March, following the exit of Marie Leblanc last year.
Darricarrère Lunel joined Victoria Beckham on 1 July, taking over from acting CEO Ralph Toledano. She is based at the brand's London headquarters.
Commenting on the news, Darricarrère Lunel told the publication that she has always admired the Victoria Beckham brand's "feminine, elegant, and modern style, which empowers women".
Kering confirms Francesca Bellettini as new Gucci CEO
Kering announced the appointment of Francesca Bellettini as the new President and CEO of Gucci in September, replacing Stefano Cantino, who stepped down after less than a year in the role.
As part of this leadership change, Bellettini's previous role as Kering's Deputy CEO was eliminated. She reports directly to Luca de Meo, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Kering.
Commenting on the appointment, de Meo said: "At this pivotal moment, I intend to build a leaner and clearer organisation in which the best talent drive our Houses forward."
Giorgio Armani appointed long-time exec as new CEO
Giuseppe Marsocci was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Giorgio Armani Group, effective October.
Marsocci, who has over 35 years of experience in the fashion and luxury sector, 23 of which have been within the Armani Group in various roles "of increasing responsibility", succeeds legendary founder Giorgio Armani, who passed away in September at the age of 91.
Marsocci was most recently Deputy Managing Director and Global Chief Commercial Officer at Giorgio Armani, a role he has held for almost seven years, working directly alongside Giorgio Armani in the global management of the business. Prior to that, he was CEO of Giorgio Armani Corporation in America for five years, based in New York.
Stella McCartney appointed ex Ralph Lauren exec as CEO to drive 'next chapter'
In September, Stella McCartney appointed Tom Mendenhall as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new era for the British luxury house. He took over from Amandine Ohayon, who stepped down after nearly two years in the role.
Mendenhall is a seasoned industry figure with a CV that spans Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Gucci. At Ralph Lauren, he served as brand president of Polo and Double RL, while his 18-year collaboration with Tom Ford included senior roles such as Executive Vice President and COO. He has also held the role of Worldwide Director of Merchandising at Gucci.
