// Matchesfashion picks Paolo de Cesare as its new chief executive
// He will be tasked with helping the retailer emerge from Covid-19 & navigate international trade post-Brexit
Matchesfashion, which has been without a chief executive officer since March, has picked former Printemps chief Paolo de Cesare for the top job.
The retailer confirmed that de Cesare will succeed Ajay Kavan, who made a surprise exit from Matchesfashion after just 12 months on the job, and said he will take up his role later this year.
De Cesare joined Printemps in 2007 and from 2016 to 2020, he also served as president of the International Group of Department Stores, the largest industry association of global department stores.
“I’m excited to become the first CEO that will have the experience of leading a physical retailer and a digital retailer,” De Cesare told BoF.
He will be tasked with helping the retailer emerge from Covid-19, navigate international trade post-Brexit and help the business stay on top of the competitive online luxury environment.
The Matches announcement follows an ongoing executive reshuffling at the company.
De Cesare described Matchesfashion as having “an incredible history and DNA. It is driving digitization of the luxury journey for its global customers, and I am confident that, with the rapid transformation and growth of the luxury market, we can continue to strengthen our position as a fashion pioneer, thereby deepening our historic brand relationships, and becoming the most exciting luxury destination for our customer.”
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