// Ted Baker welcomes Ari Hoffman as US boss
// Hoffman joins from Scotch and Soda
// North America is currently Ted Baker’s 2nd largest market
Ted Baker has appointed the former chief executive of Dutch fashion retailer Scotch and Soda, Ari Hoffman, as chief executive of its US arm.
Hoffman will join office in December.
The fashion retailer said Hoffman’s appointment was a newly-created role, which will “help to accelerate Ted Baker’s growth in North America”.
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North America is currently Ted Baker’s second largest market – after its birthplace UK.
Ted Baker group chief executive Lindsay Page said Hoffman will be an asset to the team thanks to his “deep understanding of the North American market”.
“Hoffman’s vast experience and in-depth understanding of the North American market will further strengthen our global executive team,” Page said.
Before serving as chief executive of Scotch and Soda, Hoffman was both president and chief executive of US operations at Italian fashion retailer United Colours of Benetton.
He has also worked for Gant, Yves St Laurent, Christian Lacroix and Lacoste in a career spanning over three decades.
Hoffman said: “I am delighted to join Ted Baker to lead the Company’s north American team to even greater success.
“Ted Baker is an outstanding brand that I have been an admirer and consumer of for some time.
“I look forward to accelerating the development of this quintessential British brand in the significant North American market.”
In its most recent set of interim results for the 28 weeks to August 10, Ted Baker posted a £23 million loss, while group revenue fell 0.7 per cent.
However, sales in the US saw a 3.1 per cent increase to £63.7 million.
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