OrotonGroup announced that, Sally Macdonald, who has served as CEO and MD for 7 years, has resigned and advised the Board that she will step down from her role, effective immediately. Ms Macdonald will work through a brief transition period.
- The Board of OrotonGroup is very pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Newman as CEO and MD, effective immediately. Mark has over 25 years experience in the International luxury apparel and accessories markets with leading European brands in the UK and Asia. He joined OrotonGroup in April, 2010 as Vice President of Ralph Lauren Australia & New Zealand. In addition to this role he has led the development of the Oroton brand in Asia.
His current responsibilities include all of the OrotonGroup international business interests and the identification, negotiation and execution of the Company’s current quest for potential acquisitions and/or licensed brand opportunities.
Immediately prior to joining OrotonGroup, Mark spent 15 years with the Richemont Group in a variety of senior brand management and marketing roles in Europe, Japan and Hong Kong, culminating in the role of Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific for Alfred Dunhill. Mark has also held senior positions in product development, buying and merchandising with English apparel brand Hackett in the UK.
In addition to the smooth transition of CEO at OrotonGroup which represents the successful implementation of the Company’s succession planning program, the Board announced that:
- Ross Lane, who has served as Executive Chairman since 2006 and previously as the company’s CEO and MD since 1996, will become a non-executive director, effective immediately.
- John Schmoll, who has been an independent non executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2005, has been appointed the company’s independent non-executive Chairman, effective immediately.
- Eddy Chieng, who has been an independent non executive director, has been appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Chieng is a chartered accountant with extensive business experience across Asia and Australia. He has served on the OrotonGroup Board since June, 2010.
John Schmoll said, “On behalf of the Board and the entire OrotonGroup team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Ross and Sally sincerely for their significant contributions in their respective roles during a very important period in the company’s history and in particular to wish Sally all the very best in her future endeavors.
It is especially pleasing to note that these organizational changes followed our internal succession plan with all of the benefits of experience that this brings as we move into the next phase of our journey. The Brooks Brothers Joint Venture announced today is an important first step in OrotonGroup’s strategy to replace the
Ralph Lauren license which expired in June this year. As we announced recently, the Group continues to discuss specific additional growth opportunities which it expects to be in a position to confirm in the next 3-6 months.”
Mark Newman added, “I am looking forward to working with the Board and the entire team as we continue to develop our Oroton brand, including rolling out new stores in China and the Middle East. The addition of the Brooks Brothers JV is an endorsement of our expertise in managing international premium apparel brands in Australia and NZ and we look forward to adding to our portfolio in the future,”.