Martin Bartle joins Rainbowwave Group as chief operating officer
Martin Bartle has taken up the post of chief operating officer at multi-label wholesale showroom and communications agency Rainbowwave Group, following three years in a strategic advisory role.
Bartle, who has held a number of high-profile retail positions including head of marketing at Net-A-Porter and global communications and e-commerce director of Agent Provocateur, was taking up his new full-time role at a “pivotal time,” for the agency, founder Maria Lemos said.
“This is a pivotal time for our business and Martin has been integral to the development of our digital showroom platform," she added.
“We have seen tremendous growth in this area and a way to connect with corners of the world, we might not have usually seen in our traditional physical markets.
“Martin has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and will be working closely with our global sales director Lucia Restelli and MD of Rainbowwave PR Bianca Fincham, as well as our senior management team to help grow the Rainbowwave business in new ways.”
Commenting on his new role, Bartle added: “I'm very excited to be joining Rainbowwave in a full-time role after three years in a strategic advisory role.
“Like most businesses, the challenges of 2020 turned many of our long-term strategic projects into immediate tactical necessities, particularly launching an online version of the showroom. We've got a lot more planned for 2021.”
Bartle’s 25 year career has also seen him work with some of the world's leading luxury and fashion retailers at key moments in their development, including Matches Fashion and MyTheresa during their transition from boutiques into global online businesses.
He was also formerly a VP of business development at Lane Crawford.
As a consultant, Bartle has also worked with over 30 businesses including Margaret Howell, Mulberry, Spring Studios, Alice Temperley, SpaceNK and Charlotte Olympia.
He is also a Trustee at the V&A and a mentor on the Walpole Brands of Tomorrow programme.
