Karl Lagerfeld taps talent from LVMH and Inditex

By

Florent Gilles

Published
Apr 1, 2014

After twelve months of focus on international retail development, Karl Lagerfeld is broadening its reach, recruiting from luxury fashion giants LVMH and Inditex.

Karl Lagerfeld has appoint Helen Wright to the newly created position of vice president of global retail. All the while, the brand, still under the guidance of the investment fund Apax Partners, is formalizing the appointment of Jesus Samper Velasco as global vice president of product and merchandising.

Originally from Australia, Helen Wright was previously CEO of Fendi North Europe, India and the Middle East. Effective 14 April 2014, Wright will take the reins of operations for the entire Karl Lagerfeld network, reporting to Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of the company.

As for Jesus Samper Velasco, the exec joined top management at Karl Lagerfeld at the end of 2013, “following 18 years of experience in the fashion industry with special expertise in accessories".

Prior to his appointment at Karl Lagerfeld, Jesus Samper Velasco was product manager for footwear and hangbags for Inditex's eight brands, which include Zara and Uterque.