Latest news with #SebastianSuhl
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unilever Shuts Sustainable Skin Care Brand Ren
LONDON — Unilever is shutting one of its greenest brands, Ren Clean Skincare, blaming a combination of 'internal factors, compounded by market challenges.' The consumer giant said while there was no fixed date for final closure, the business is expected to shutter by the end of the third quarter. In March, WWD Beauty Inc reported that Unilever had been speaking to Ren employees and representatives as part of a strategic review as it sought a path forward for the business. More from WWD Azza Fahmy Arrives in London With a Flash of Gold, and Colored Stones Luxury, Streetwear Retailer End. Names Sebastian Suhl CEO EXCLUSIVE: EBay's First 'Watchlist' Report Reveals an Inside Look at Fashion's Most Coveted Pieces Unilever said in a brief statement on Thursday that following the conclusion of a collective consultation period, it has made the 'difficult decision to begin formal steps to close the Ren business.' It said internal and external factors have left the brand 'unable to sustain success in the long term.' It is understood that Unilever failed to find a buyer for the British company it purchased 10 years ago. Unilever said it was proud of the Ren team 'for all it has accomplished during 25 years of business, putting clean skin care on the agenda and creating positive change for both people and planet. We thank them as they continue to support us through this closure.' Unilever acquired Ren Skincare in May 2015. The brand was founded by Antony Buck and Robert Calcraft and positioned itself in the naturals category, which by the time of its acquisition had become among the fastest-growing skin care segments globally. By the time of its purchase by Unilever, Ren had built a committed consumer base around the motto of 'performance; purity; pleasure.' Ren's premium positioning complemented Unilever's burgeoning prestige beauty portfolio, and its sustainability aspirations. The multinational planned to build on Ren's global potential. The range of high-performance skin care was at the time predominantly in specialty stores and pharmacies, then branched out to perfumeries and department stores, as well. Most recently, Ren — which had added 'clean' as part of its moniker — was doubling down on its Clean to Planet positioning. The company had met its zero-waste promise by the end of 2021, with its packaging fully recycled, recyclable or reusable. Much has changed since Unilever purchased Ren. The natural and clean beauty space has become ever more competitive, with many brands trying to find their footing in the crowded space. At Unilever, sustainability is still a priority, but it is one among many. The company has had three chief executive officers in the space of three years, and is increasingly focused on its 'power brands,' each of which generates upward of 1 billion euros annually. It also has a cost-cutting drive in place, and has already sold a host of what it considered to be noncore brands, such as The Vegetarian Butcher, Dollar Shave Club and Elida Beauty, which comprised more than 20 beauty and personal care brands including Q-Tips, Caress, Timotei and Tigi. As reported, the group plans to spin off its ice cream division, which will be listed on the stock exchanges in Amsterdam, London and New York later this year. The new CEO, Fernando Fernandez, said revenue growth was coming from Unilever's 'increasingly premium and innovation-led portfolio in developed markets' against a backdrop of 'heightened global macroeconomic uncertainty.' Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Sean Combs Regains Control of Sean John Brand Isabel Marant Said in Play Again: Sources Holding Industriale Invests in Shoe Specialist Valmor Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Luxury, Streetwear Retailer End. Names Sebastian Suhl CEO
LONDON — The buzzy British retailer End. has tapped fashion management veteran Sebastian Suhl as chief executive officer. Suhl will join the company this summer as it embarks on a new chapter focused on 'sustainable growth and continued innovation' in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. More from WWD Unilever Shuts Sustainable Skin Care Brand Ren Bicester Village Marks 30 Years With a New Campaign, and a Britpop Beat Phoebe Philo Guest Edits the FT's New HTSI Issue, Focused on Beauty and 'Intention' As part of the transition, the current CEO Parker Gundersen has stepped down from the role with immediate effect. Chief financial officer Karen Dracou will serve as interim CEO until Suhl arrives. Company chairman Martin Brok said, 'Suhl brings exceptional leadership, a strong strategic vision, and a deep understanding of our industry. We would also like to sincerely thank Parker for his contributions and leadership during his tenure, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.' Suhl served as CEO of Trussardi from 2020 until 2023, when he left the Italian brand amid a company shakeup. He was previously managing director of global markets at Valentino, and before that, he served as CEO of Marc Jacobs International. Suhl has also worked at Givenchy and Prada Group. Last October End. was acquired by private equity firm Apollo Global Management from The Carlyle Group. End. founders Christiaan Ashworth and John Parker, who launched with one store in Newcastle, England, in 2005, have since stepped back from the business. There are now concept stores in London, Milan, Manchester and Glasgow. In London and Milan, there are often long lines snaking outside the stores, especially when limited-edition collaborations are being dropped. In an interview last December, Gundersen said that under the new ownership, the retailer was looking to declutter and return to growth mode by embracing its roots in fashion curation. End. is also looking to reinforce its long-standing relationship with core customers and brand partners and boost its visibility in the market. The company is marking 20 years in business this year with a steady stream of events, collaborations, and exclusive releases aimed at embracing its existing community and attracting new customers. Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Maje Names Charlotte Tasset Ferrec CEO Nadja Swarovski Exits Family Company Amid Ongoing Corporate Shakeup Aeffe MD Exits Fashion Group Sign in to access your portfolio
Fashion Network
01-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Gundersen out, Suhl in as luxury retailer END. names new CEO
Luxury British retailer END. on Thursday announced a leadership transition with Sebastian Suhl named as its new CEO as its current chief exec exits. The company, which sells a variety of high-end designer labels but focuses mainly on streetwear and lifestyle pieces, said Suhl will be joining the business this summer. He's a fashion industry veteran and has spent the past 25 years 'developing Direct to Consumer businesses on a global scale at Prada, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and other brands'. It's a big strategic move for the firm and it said it 'helps position the company for its next chapter focused on sustainable growth and continued innovation within a dynamic, rapidly evolving retail landscape'. The appointment follows a 'comprehensive global search' and has been 'unanimously approved' by END.'s board. And what about current CEO Parker Gundersen? The statement said he's stepped down as of 1 May with CFO Karen Dracou assuming the role of interim CEO 'to ensure operational stability and maintain momentum across the company's strategic initiatives'. Chairman Martin Brok said Suhl 'brings exceptional leadership, a strong strategic vision, and a deep understanding of our industry. We would also like to sincerely thank Parker for his contributions and leadership during his tenure, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours'.
Fashion Network
01-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Gundersen out, Suhl in as luxury retailer END. names new CEO
Luxury British retailer END. on Thursday announced a leadership transition with Sebastian Suhl named as its new CEO as its current chief exec exits. The company, which sells a variety of high-end designer labels but focuses mainly on streetwear and lifestyle pieces, said Suhl will be joining the business this summer. He's a fashion industry veteran and has spent the past 25 years 'developing Direct to Consumer businesses on a global scale at Prada, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and other brands'. It's a big strategic move for the firm and it said it 'helps position the company for its next chapter focused on sustainable growth and continued innovation within a dynamic, rapidly evolving retail landscape'. The appointment follows a 'comprehensive global search' and has been 'unanimously approved' by END.'s board. And what about current CEO Parker Gundersen? The statement said he's stepped down as of 1 May with CFO Karen Dracou assuming the role of interim CEO 'to ensure operational stability and maintain momentum across the company's strategic initiatives'. Chairman Martin Brok said Suhl 'brings exceptional leadership, a strong strategic vision, and a deep understanding of our industry. We would also like to sincerely thank Parker for his contributions and leadership during his tenure, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours'.
