Appointment of Chief Executive Officer Xavier Simonet
KATHMANDU HOLDINGS LIMITED
ASX/NZX/MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT
23 January 2015
Kathmandu Holdings Ltd – Appointment of Chief Executive Officer Xavier Simonet
Kathmandu today announced the appointment of Xavier Simonet as the new Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Mr. Simonet is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Radley and is based in London. Mr Simonet will relocate to Melbourne to take up the role.
Radley, founded in 1998, is a London based brand with a product range covering women’s handbags, luggage and a wide range of accessories. The company has retail operations in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Germany and Malaysia and wider distribution through additional stockists in all of these countries as well as Russia, South Africa, Australia, Thailand and Switzerland. It also exports to 50 countries through its online platform.
Prior to joining Radley, Mr Simonet was Vice President & General Manager, International for apparel & underwear group DB Apparel and prior to that he was the International Director of Seafolly Group based in Sydney.
Mr. Simonet began his career with LVHM where he worked for 11 years in France, Scandinavia, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, and the UK and Ireland before returning to Australia to join Seafolly.
Mr. Simonet has degrees in Law, Economics and Public administration from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, a Masters in International Management from HEC Paris and the Vienna School of Economics and Business Administration, a Masters Diploma in Business Administration from the HEC School of Management in Paris and has completed the Harvard Business School Executive Management qualification in Strategic Marketing Management.
The Chairman of Kathmandu, David Kirk said,
“We have undertaken a comprehensive international search to fill the role and we are delighted Xavier has agreed to join Kathmandu as our new Chief Executive Officer.
“Xavier has wide experience in retailing and brand development in Australia and in many international markets. He has a proven track record building brands and developing successful retail businesses in fashion, apparel, accessories and related products.
“Xavier and his family are Australian citizens and they are very much looking forward to returning to live and work in Australia.”
Mr. Simonet said,
“I am delighted to join Kathmandu and to move back to Australia. The potential for further growth at Kathmandu is strong, particularly internationally, and I am really looking forward to working with the team.”
Mr. Simonet will start at Kathmandu after working out his notice period with Radley.