Joseph Ribkoff bolsters leadership to accelerate global growth

Fashion house Joseph Ribkoff has appointed two new senior executives to drive its next phase of growth and global expansion.

Stephen Belfer has joined the company as Vice President of Global Sales & Business Development, following a twelve-year tenure at Marc Cain, where he led commercial growth initiatives and strategic partnerships across wholesale, retail, and e-commerce channels.

At Joseph Ribkoff, he will oversee global sales strategies and business development, strengthening the brand’s footprint across key markets.

"I am honoured to join Joseph Ribkoff at this pivotal time," said Belfer. "I look forward to working with the global teams to drive performance and operational excellence. We are not simply growing distribution; we are elevating the way the world experiences Joseph Ribkoff."

In addition, Brett Sugarman has been appointed Vice President of Global Marketing, bringing with her experience from Michael Kors, where she led a range of brand communication and consumer engagement strategies for over 15 years.

In her new role, Sugarman will lead Joseph Ribkoff’s worldwide marketing strategy, focusing on brand storytelling, digital innovation, and consumer engagement to elevate the brand’s global presence and "connect with women around the world".

"Joseph Ribkoff has an incredible soul with decades of heritage, craftsmanship and a deeply loyal customer base," said Sugarman. "My goal is to build the next chapter: a modern, relevant, global brand that continues to feel personal and authentic. It’s about evolution, not reinvention and we are ready to accelerate digital transformation and meet our customer in the channels she trusts."

The new appointments to Joseph Ribkoff’s executive team reflect the company’s focus on growth, innovation, and strategic development.

Emmanuel Amzallag, CEO of Joseph Ribkoff, said: "These appointments mark an exciting step forward for Joseph Ribkoff. Stephen and Brett bring outstanding expertise in building international brands and driving growth.

"Their leadership will help us accelerate momentum, strengthen our customer connections, and reinforce our position as a global leader in premium contemporary womenswear."

Founded in 1957 in Montreal, Joseph Ribkoff is a Canadian women’s fashion brand offering ready-to-wear across three labels: Joseph Ribkoff Collection, Joseph Ribkoff Signature, and Joseph Ribkoff SPORT.  The brand has a presence in over 65 countries, 35 showrooms, and a wholesale network of more than 3,500 retailers.