Ralph & Russo announces the appointment of Helen David as Chief Growth Officer with immediate effect, a newly created position for the global fashion house.
Reporting directly to Ralph & Russo’s Chief Executive, Michael Russo, David will spearhead the brand’s merchandising, retail, wholesale, haute couture and business development teams to ensure both product and retail are growing hand in hand as the company continues its dynamic expansion plans.
Michael Russo said: “The appointment of Helen David marks a significant step in Ralph & Russo’s ambitions to expand its retail business and product diversification. With the roll-out of leather goods, shoes and Prêt-à-Porter at the forefront of our immediate plans, Helen brings a wealth of relevant experience which will fuel our global ambitions. We are very excited to welcome Helen and have her unique experience supporting the broader Ralph & Russo business at a world class executive level.”
Having most recently served as Chief Merchant of Harrods, where she spent a decade, David pioneered some of the department store’s most ambitious projects to date, including the trio of Superbrand departments. Prior to Harrods, David worked at Net-a-Porter and Saks Fifth Avenue.
David commented: “Having watched, supported, and admired Ralph & Russo with every step of their growth over the last decade, to join them during this incredible trajectory of growth couldn’t be more exciting, and I cannot wait to commence this next chapter together.”
The appointment for Ralph & Russo comes amid a year of pivotal milestones with new flagship stores opened in Doha and Dubai, Monaco expected at the end of this month as well as New York and Miami imminently. The brand has also committed to invest heavily in developing the Prêt-à-Porter, leather goods and shoe businesses over the next twelve months and recently announced the launch of its unrivalled apprenticeship scheme.
David will be based out of Ralph & Russo’s recently announced new headquarters within White City’s MediaWorks building which the brand will occupy with other tenants such as YOOX Net-A-Porter, the BBC and the Royal College of Art, whilst also housing its impressive 400 plus workforce.
