LONDON — Stella McCartney, the London-based fashion house and a division of Gucci Group, has named Marco Bizzarri chief executive officer.
Bizzarri, 42, will assume his new role in mid-January, and report to James McArthur, executive vice president of Gucci Group, according to parent company officials. McCartney has been without a chief executive since July, when James Seuss stepped down to join Harry Winston, the luxury diamond jeweler, as president of retail and wholesale distribution.
The Italian-born Bizzarri has been general manager at Marithé & François Girbaud apparel in Paris. Previously, he was general manager at Mandarina Duck, an accessories and clothing group. He began his career as an auditor, and later worked for the Arthur Andersen accounting firm, advising midsized and start-up Italian businesses on strategy and organizational issues.
“I immediately warmed to Marco’s personality and his sensitivity to the demands of building value for a fast-growing brand,” Stella McCartney, founder of the house that bears her name, said in a statement. “Marco is going to be a great business partner for me and a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to take the brand to the next level.”
The firm is expected to make a formal announcement today. Bizzarri wasn’t immediately available for comment.
Robert Polet, president and chief executive officer of Gucci Group, said Bizzarri brings the company operational, strategic and entrepreneurial talent.
“I am delighted that Marco is joining our group and the Stella McCartney business. This brand has a totally credible business model and a promising future. I am totally confident that it will go from strength to strength,” Polet said.
Stella McCartney is on track to achieve revenues in excess of $39 million, or 30 million euros, for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2005. That would represent a 50 percent increase in sales, which were $26 million, 20 million euros, in the year ending Jan. 21, 2004.
Stella McCartney has three flagships, in London, New York and Los Angeles, and about 180 wholesale accounts worldwide. For spring 2004, the designer will launch a performance clothing line in partnership with Adidas.
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— Samantha Conti