Gymshark appoints Sian Keane as chief people officer, while Fabien Versavau is set to take over as CEO of La Redoute. Both brands focus on global growth, with Gymshark transforming into an omnichannel giant and La Redoute strengthening its home and fashion segments.
On September 5, 2024, Gymshark announced that Sian Keane would join as the new chief people officer. Keane, who spent 11 years at Farfetch, including six years as chief people officer, helped scale Farfetch's team from 100 to over 7,000. Now, she will lead Gymshark's people strategy, focusing on attracting top talent as the company transforms into an international omnichannel powerhouse.
On September 9, 2024, Fabien Versavau will become the CEO of La Redoute, bringing over 25 years of experience in e-commerce and digital. Versavau, formerly CEO of Rakuten France, will focus on expanding La Redoute’s home and fashion segments, driving both domestic and international growth. His leadership aims to strengthen the brand’s performance while respecting its long-standing innovative spirit.
Gymshark’s founder, Ben Francis, has ambitious goals to grow the company globally. "I want Gymshark to become a brand that outlives us all," Francis said. Keane’s hire comes as part of a broader leadership shakeup, which includes key appointments like Mat Dunn from Asos as CFO and Carly Natalizia as CDO. Gymshark is also expanding its retail presence, with its latest store set to open in Dubai Mall, marking its first location outside the UK.
At La Redoute, Versavau is stepping in at a pivotal moment. Philippe Houzé, chairman of La Redoute, said Versavau’s experience would help continue the company’s growth, particularly in the home market. La Redoute has transformed itself into a leading e-commerce company in Europe, and Versavau’s mission is to further strengthen its market position while developing the fashion sector, building on the company's heritage and innovative drive.
How will these leadership changes impact Gymshark and La Redoute?
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