Nike names new leadership team to align sports focus

By Sean Cao

Nike has announced a new C-suite lineup it says aims to deepen its commitment to product innovation, design and storytelling.

The company appointed its 30-year veteran John Hoke as chief innovation officer. Hoke most recently served as Nike’s first chief design officer.

Martin Lotti, who was chief design officer for the Jordan Brand and has been with the firm for 26 years, will succeed Hoke. In his new role, Lotti will oversee all aspects of Nike’s design, from footwear and apparel to brand and retail concepts.

Nicole Hubbard Graham will become the new chief marketing officer, succeeding Dirk-Jan “DJ” van Hameren, who will retire next summer after 31 years with the company. Graham, who has been with Nike for 18 years, will lead the global brand marketing team and oversee all aspects of marketing.

The leadership changes with Hoke and Lotti are effective immediately, while Graham’s appointment will take effect on January 2. The three will report to Heidi O’Neill, president, consumer, product and brand at Nike.

In addition, Dr Muge Erdirik Dogan will join Nike as chief technology officer, effective November 27, to boost the quality of consumer experiences with products, platforms, and services. Dogan’s most recent role was as president of Amazon Fashion.

She will be on the executive leadership team and report to John Donahoe, president and CEO of Nike.

“These leadership changes enable us to obsess further our unparalleled innovation, product, design, and storytelling to reimagine sport for the next generation of athletes,” said O’Neill.

Tory Burch Japan names Edouard Roche as president

By Tong Van

American women’s fashion label Tory Burch has appointed Edouard Roche as its new president and representative director of its Japan business. 

In his new role, Roche will oversee the brand’s operations in Japan and report to Thibault Villet, president of Asia Pacific & Japan.  

“Edouard is a results-oriented leader with vast experience in the region and a strong background in luxury fashion management and marketing,” said Pierre-Yves Roussel, CEO at Tory Burch. 

“We are excited to leverage Edouard’s expertise as we continue scaling our business in this strategic luxury market and generating excitement among the Japanese customer,” said Villet. 

Prior to Tory Burch, Roche served as CEO and co-founder of an eco-fashion startup based in Paris and Hong Kong. The executive also held several key roles at luxury fashion labels, including Burberry, Ralph Lauren, L’Oreal and Guerlain.

Further reading, Balenciaga names Michelle Yeoh as the new global brand ambassador.

Puma appoints Daniel Pustina to head its Oceania business

By Celene Ignacio 

Sports apparel retailer Puma has appointed Daniel Pustina as the GM of its Oceania business, effective January 2 next year.

Pustina will succeed Daniel Gutstein, who is stepping down from his position at the end of December.

“This is an incredible opportunity to join the Oceania team, working in an area that has such a passionate sport following and culture. I can’t wait to get to Australia and New Zealand to meet our team, customers and partners and continue the growth for Puma in the market,” said Pustina.

Pustina is currently Puma’s head of sales for Central Europe and has extensive experience in sports retail after holding significant roles at Hype Sports Innovation, Under Armour, and Adidas Group.

“In Daniel Pustina, I believe we have found a great person to take the Oceania team forward. With his wealth of experience and great service attitude towards business partners, I am confident we will be able to further unlock the potential of the Oceania region,” said Sanjay Roy, area GM at Puma Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Natira Boonsri named as CEO of Central & Robinson Department Stores

By Tong Van

Central Retail Corporation (CRC) has appointed the Chirathivat family’s heir Natira Boonsri as CEO of Central & Robinson Department Stores.

In her new role, she will oversee the business’ development in the international market while driving the company growth as a leading department stores operator in Thailand.

“The mission of Central and Robinson Department Stores is to create a lasting impression on our customers and make them the happiest, as we are committed to constantly innovating and delivering the best customer experience,” Boonsri said. 

“We are also committed to playing a significant role in advancing both social and environmental sustainability in conjunction with our business operations.” 

Boonsri has about 20 years of experience in department store management. Boonsri, who graduated from Harvard Business School, recently held the chief commercial officer position at Central Retail Group.

CRC generated US$6.7 billion in revenue last year with a net profit of US$216.6 million. The Thai retail conglomerate established a membership-based wholesale business dubbed ‘Go Wholesale’ in September. The company said it would allocate about US$570 million to the development of the model over the next five years.