Homie co-founder steps aside, new CEO named
By Rakshnna Pattabiraman
Melbourne-based retail brand Homie Clothing has appointed Stephanie Say as its new CEO as co-founder Nick Pearce steps aside.
Of his decision, Pearce said: “I’m stepping back as the CEO after eight years to take on a new role as a stay-at-home dad to support my wife as she continues to grow her business, Merry People.
“I’m still going to support Homie whenever/wherever I can as an advisor to our board of directors [and] informally supporting partnerships wherever feasible whilst still holding the ceremonial title and fulfilling all duties as the co-founder.”
Homie Clothing started as a Facebook page – Homelessness of Melbourne – by three friends in 2015 to draw awareness to the faces and stories of everyday people affected by homelessness in Melbourne.
In the following year, a retail pop-up opened in Melbourne Central and later expanded to a flagship store in Fitzroy
“We are an organisation that supports young people affected by homelessness or hardship to equip them with skills, confidence and experiences to be more work-ready and better prepared for their future,” the company said on its website.
L’Oreal names Adrian Koskas GM for consumer products
By Kaycee Enerva
Cosmetics giant L’Oreal has named Adrien Koskas as GM for the consumer products division (CPD) of its South Asia-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa regions (SAPMENA).
In his new role, Koskas will report directly to Vismay Sharma, president of SAPMENA, based in Singapore.
L’Oreal’s CPD houses four of the company’s major brands: L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, Garnier, and NYX Professional Make-Up.
Described as a “pioneering brand builder,” Koskas brings extensive experience in global leadership and marketing to his new role, with an 18-year career at L’Oreal.
He previously served as the global brand president of Garnier since 2019, where he achieved record growth and launched Green Beauty, the flagship brand for the group’s sustainability commitment.
Koskas has also held various leadership positions in France, Brazil, and the UK, including serving as GM, CPD for L’Oreal UK & Ireland.
“With 3 billion people, SAPMENA is a highly strategic region full of opportunities and new ways to engage with young, digital and beauty-savvy consumers who represent many cultures and beauty aspirations,” said Koskas on his new appointment.
“It is also the perfect environment to embrace cutting-edge innovations in many fields to deliver our high growth ambition.”
Koskas succeeds Manashi Guha, who takes on a new role as MD, CPD for L’Oreal UK & Ireland.
Prada appoints new chief people officer
By Dean Blake
Following a number of leadership changes over the past year, luxury fashion brand Prada has announced Rosa Santamaria Maurizio as its new chief people officer.
Santamaria Maurizio is exiting rival fashion firm Valentino to join Prada, where she worked to revamp the business’ internal culture – a goal she will reportedly bring to Prada, according to Business of Fashion.
Business of Fashion also reports that long-time design director Fabio Zambernardi is tipped to step away from the company at the end of the year. Having worked at the company since the 1980s, Zamernardi has played a monumental role in shaping the brand’s success.
The business has not commented on Zambernardi’s exit, but has described it as a “year-long sabbatical”.
Prada’s executive team has undergone a transformation in the past year, with former Luxottica chief executive Andrea Guerra stepping in a group CEO role, as well as Gianfranco D’Attis as brand-level CEO and Andrea Bonini as chief financial officer.
The changes followed the departure of co-CEOs Miuccia Prada and husband Patrizio Bertelli, who stepped into the roles of creative director and executive chairman last year.
