// Claire’s has hired Richard Flint as president of Europe to spearhead growth across the continent
// Flint previously was vice president of Nike’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) business
Accessories giant Claire’s has appointed ex-Nike executive Richard Flint as president of its European business as it ramps up its growth plans across the continent.
Flint, who was most recently chief growth officer and an executive board member at variety store Hema, was previously vice president of sportswear goliath Nike’s fast-growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) business and led its Chinese operation, where he dramatically increased ecommerce sales.
He aims to expand Claire’s footprint across Europe and will develop the retailer’s international supply chain to optimise the flow of products to customers across all the business’ channels. He will also focus on growing Claire’s concessions business.
Claire’s currently operates in 43 countries and has more than 850 stores across Europe.
Flint reports into Claire’s chief executive Ryan Vero, who said: “Richard brings a wealth of experience, an expert knowledge of the market and a drive for optimizing growth, which will be instrumental to our brand positioning and long-term success as a global fashion brand that inspires self-expression.”
Read more: Claire’s files for IPO 3 years after bankruptcy
Flint said: “Claire’s is a powerful brand with an engaged, global audience, and my mission is to expand Claire’s international footprint, seamlessly bringing the brand’s trendsetting products, memorable in-store experiences and industry-leading ear piercing services to even more customers in Europe, allowing them to express themselves with our brand.”
Late last year Claire’s filed for an IPO, just three years after lenders Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital took control of the accessories retailer after its Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
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