The Warehouse Group doubles down on sustainable living with new appointment

By Kaycee Enerva 

The Warehouse Group has named Mark Anderton as its new chief sourcing and sustainability officer, underlining its commitment to ethical sourcing and a greener supply chain.

In his youth, Anderton began as a casual employee at The Warehouse Hastings and then progressed to the level of executive GM of global sourcing, a role he has held since November 2019.

Nick Grayston, CEO of The Warehouse Group, said Anderton’s focus on ethical sourcing and sustainable product lines made him the ideal candidate to lead the company’s sustainability efforts.

“Mark’s appointment is a testament to The Warehouse Group’s dedication to fostering talent throughout our ranks,” shared Grayson.

He also praised Anderton’s work promoting ethical sourcing practices, collaborating with suppliers, and expanding the range of sustainable products the group offers.

“Mark and his team have made significant strides in collaborating with suppliers, promoting ethical sourcing practices, and expanding the range of sustainable products offered by The Warehouse Group,” he continued.

Under Anderston’s leadership, a third of the company’s private-label sales now have sustainable attributes, and 43 per cent have sustainable packaging.

“We’ve put a lot of work into tackling our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, most recently with our switch to solar power, so our focus is turning to reducing emissions in our supply chain.”

Grayston expressed his confidence in Anderton’s ability to lead the company’s sustainability efforts, especially focusing on reducing Scope 3 emissions to meet the 2040 Zero Emissions Plan.

“Our progress in sustainability has picked up in recent years, but we acknowledge that there is still a significant journey ahead of us,” he concluded. “We’ll continue to work together diligently to continue this vital work.”

Anderton will remain based in Shanghai, China, leading the global sourcing team.

The Iconic appoints Joanna Robinson as chief marketing officer

By Heather McIlvaine

Online retailer The Iconic has appointed Joanna Robinson as chief marketing officer, effective immediately. 

Robinson was named interim CMO in April this year, and she will now continue in that role, leading the company’s marketing, creative, production, and customer service teams. 

“I am thrilled that Joanna will be remaining with the business as The Iconic’s chief marketing officer,” Jere Calmes, The Iconic’s chief executive, said. “Joanna’s impact in the short time she has been our acting CMO has been nothing short of remarkable – her strong leadership and great customer insights have proven to be an integral part of our business.” 

Robinson brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, sales and leadership to the role, having previously held roles with Unilever, Esteé Lauder, Johnson & Johnson, P&G, Colgate, L’occitane, Tyrrell’s Wines, and Chatime.

“As a loyal and long-time customer of The Iconic, the opportunity to join the business earlier this year was a dream come true, and I feel incredibly humbled to officially continue my role in this amazing company,” she said. 

Johnnie-O taps former Patagonia executive to lead multichannel retail expansion 

By Sean Cao

Lifestyle brand Johnnie-O has appointed John Collins as its new CEO, who will focus on accelerating growth through increased brand investment and omnichannel expansion – including opening its own stores.

Collins succeeds Dave Gatto, who has been CEO since 2015, as he retires this year.

Collins began his career with Patagonia in 1996, where he spent over two decades championing brand storytelling, creating quality products, and developing robust omnichannel retail strategies. 

Aside from boosting growth, Collins will also be in charge of employing digital and DTC-led initiatives as well as exploring new product categories.

The company said Collins’ focus on product excellence and customer satisfaction aligns with its values and vision.

“John brings a wealth of experience and expertise in cultivating brands that consumers love and trust. I look forward to working with him on the next big chapter for Johnnie-O and bringing the company’s full potential to life,” said Johnnie-O founder John O’Donnell.

Since 2005, Johnnie-O has offered a range of premium apparel, footwear, and accessories for men and boys. The company has recorded consistent growth in revenue by over 20 per cent in 16 out of the 17 years since its inception. 

Sogo & Seibu appoints Davide Sesia as EVP

By Celene Ignacio

Sogo & Seibu Co has appointed Davide Sesia as EVP after the retail company was acquired by Fortress Investment Group.

Sesia has also been appointed as director, effective November 1.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Sogo & Seibu, a company with a rich history and tradition, in the role of EVP. I resonate with the company’s philosophy of emphasising hospitality and challenging itself to exceed customer expectations,” said Sesia.

“With over 30 years of experience in Japan as a foreign national, I bring a broad perspective and a wealth of experience. I look forward to contributing to the development of the company, aligning it with the changing dynamics of Japanese society and consumer needs, and evolving into a department store that meets those needs.”

Fortress Investment Group acquired Sogo & Seibu from Tokyo-headquartered retail group and 7-Eleven owner Seven & I Holdings for US$1.5 billion.