PARIS — Donald Potard, who left Jean Paul Gaultier as chief executive officer in April, didn’t stay out of the fashion fray for long.
Marchpole Holdings plc, the U.K.-based manufacturer that produces and distributes for six brands, including Yves Saint Laurent, Ozwald Boateng and Emanuel Ungaro, on Wednesday said it had hired Potard as ceo of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Europe and Emanuel Ungaro Europe to oversee the two brands’ men’s wear collections.
Potard, 53, will be based in Paris and report to Marchpole’s board.
Marchpole said Potard would be responsible for accelerating the growth of the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac brand, which the British company acquired in 2004, as well as rolling out the new Emanuel Ungaro men’s wear collection, which was launched on the Paris runway in July by designer Jose Levy.
“[Potard’s] understanding of fashion and his knowledge and experience within the industry will be extremely valuable in the next step in Marchpole’s growth in Europe,” said Chris Phillips, chairman of Marchpole.
Potard, a childhood friend of Gaultier’s, had worked with the couturier for most of his professional life, becoming general manager of the brand in 1981, and rising to ceo in 1991. Potard also opened a juice bar in Paris this summer.