The latest appointments for Hermès, other luxury labels

One of the latest European brands to be ‘rescued’ to foreign investment, Aquascutum’s new management has chosen to part ways with design director Joanna Sykes.

According to WWD, Tim Dally, Aquascutum’s new chief executive officer said her departure was a mutually agreed decision. “It is very early days for us as a new management team, but we will shortly announce structural changes that will focus the business and ensure the longevity of this incredible British heritage brand.”

Over at Moncler, Joseph J. Barrato, president of North American operations, was set to retire at the end of June 2012. Barrato, now 71, has spent more than 50 years in the apparel industry, working as president of Ralph Lauren Purple and Black Label men’s wear divisions and CEO of Brioni USA.

Judy Collinson, US Merchandise Manager, Dior 

Former Barneys New York executive Judy Collinson has been appointed general merchandise manager at Dior for the US market, reporting to Karen Watkins, executive vice president of Christian Dior Inc. Ms. Collinson is best known for her service as head of women’s at Barneys New York.

Axel Dumas, CEO, Hermès 

Axel Dumas has been named as the next family member to lead Hermès, effective 2013, replacing current CEO Patrick Thomas. Mr. Dumas, one of the nephews of Jean-Louis Dumas, currently serves as general manager of operations.

Jacques Challes

Jacques Challes, Chief Innovation Officer, L’Oreal 

Jacques Challes has been appointed chief innovation officer at L’Oréal, succeeding Nicolas Rosselli, who will retire as of July 1. Mr. Challes has served with L’Oreal since 1982, originally as a marking director in france and most recently, as the managing director of India since 2008. –Photo courtesy of loreal.co.in

Lydia Maurer, Creative Director, Paco Rabanne 

Following the recent departure of Manish Arora, German designer Lydia Maurer has been appointed creative director of Paco Rabanne’s ready-to-wear collections. A graduate from Paris’ Studio Berçot, the designer has worked for Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy, and will debut her first Paco Rabanne collection in October 2012.

Camilla Schiavone, CEO, Schiaparelli

As part of its planned re-launch under the leadership of Diego Della Valle, Schiaparelli has appointed former L’Oreal fragrance brand manager Camilla Schiavone as CEO. The brand is yet to name a creative director but will launch its first collection in February 2013, focusing on accessories, fragrance, cosmetics and a few items of ready-to-wear.

Caden Stobart, President, Alexandre Birman

Footwear brand Alexandre Birman has tapped Caden Stobart as global president. Mr. Stobart most recently served as president of the Americas at Sergio Rossi and will report directly to Birman.

Cheryl Dixon, SVP Marketing, Antiquorum

American watch auction house Antiquorum has appointed Cheryl Dixon as its new vice president of marketing and communication. Ms. Dixon was most recently executive director of communications at Chanel and will now be responsible for designing and implementing all global marketing efforts at Antiquorum.

Stephane Fischler, President, Antwerp World Diamond Centre

The board of directors of the AWDC elected Stephane Fischler as the organisation’s new president, succeeding succeeds Nishit ‘Bali’ Parikh. Mr. Fischler is a founding member of the World Diamond Council (WDC), and has served as vice president of the AWDC over the past two years.

Mimma Viglezio, Board, BuyMyWardrobe 

BuyMyWardrobe, an online marketplace for pre-loved luxury designer fashion, has appointed Mimma Viglezio, formerly Executive Vice President of Global Communications at The Gucci Group to its board of directors. Ms. Viglezio joins the company as a shareholder and director as part of the businesses expansion.

Roland Ackermann, EVP, Carl F. Bucherer

Effective July 1st 2012, Roland Ackermann will be serving as EVP sales at independent watch brand Carl F. Bucherer. Mr Ackermann assumes responsibility for all sales and the worldwide distribution of Carl F. Bucherer watches, as well as for new market development.

Michel Bernardaud, President, Comité Colbert

French luxury goods association Comité Colbert has elected Michel Bernardaud – CEO of porcelain manufacturer Bernardaud – as its president for the next four years, succeeding Françoise Montenay. The committee has also accepted three new members: French furniture and jewelry designer Hervé van der Straeten, Belgian leather goods manufacturer Delvaux, and Polish cosmetics firm Dr Irena Eris.

Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America

Following the resignation of its chief Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America has announced Scott Keogh as its new president. Mr. Keogh most recently served as marketing chief for Audi, following six years of service with the brand, after tenure at Mercedes-Benz for just over a decade.

Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman & CEO, Bentley Motors, Bugatti 

The current CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, will become chairman and chief executive at both Bentley Motors & Bugatti effective September 1, 2012. He succeeds Wolfgang Dürheimer, who will move to become a member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi AG.

Karim Habib, Head of Design, BMW

BMW has promoted its current chief of exterior design, Karim Habib, to the new role of head of design for the BMW brand. The Lebanon-born Canadian has so far been responsible for the design of several important BMW models over the years, including the exteriors of current BMW models such as the 7-Series and new 3-Series.

Johan de Nysschen, SVP, Infiniti 

Following a recent management shakeup at the Volkswagen Group, Audi’s U.S. president Johan de Nysschen resigned and has been appointed the senior vice president of Infiniti, effective July 1st 2013. Prior to his resignation, de Nysschen served Audi for 19 years in South Africa, Japan, and most recently the United States.

Patrick Cescau, Chairman, InterContinental Hotels

InterContinental Hotels Group has announced Patrick Cescau as successor to current chairman David Webster, effective January 1st 2013. Mr. Cescau currently sits on the boards of International Consolidated Airlines Group, Tesco and Pearson, and served as chief executive of Unilever from 2005 to 2008. –justluxe.com + photos