MATCHESFASHION appoints Natalie Kingham to role of chief fashion officer

MATCHESFASHION has promoted Natalie Kingham to the newly created role of chief fashion officer after a decade of service at the London-based global luxury business.

Kingham, who was latterly fashion & buying director at MATCHESFASHION, has built up a reputation for nurturing young designers and turning them in to globally renowned names.

This year she drove the launch of The Innovators programme, which was designed to champion young design talent with a comprehensive package of practical support including mentorship, preferential business terms and global marketing. She has also expanded the company’s portfolio to include unique edits in homewares and lifestyle, vacation studio and fine jewellery.

In her new role she will report into Elizabeth von der Goltz, who joins MATCHESFASHION from the YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group in February 2021.

Kingham said of her appointment: “Throughout 2020 we have seen how our customers lifestyles have adapted to a changing world. As we move into 2021, I am looking forward to evolving MATCHESFASHION’s proposition and continuing to showcase an innovative curation of designer talent.” 

MATCHESFASHION, which was founded as a single boutique in Wimbledon 30 years ago, has made a number of changes to its top team this year.

Ajay Kavan joined the business from Amazon in February this year as CEO (he replaced Ulric Jerome who left in August 2019). In September Jason Weston joined as COO, also from Amazon, while Sean Glithero was appointed as CFO, having spent 11 years at Auto Trader Group.

Last month it was announced that YNAP's global buying director Elizabeth von der Goltz would be joining as chief commercial officer, indirectly replacing commercial director Lea Cranfield, who is returning to YNAP, where she had previously worked, as chief buying and merchandising officer.