Chief Executive Officer at Radley steps down from role

Xavier Simonet, chief executive officer of British accessories label Radley, is stepping down from his position after two years to take on a new challenge in Australia.

Simonet, who previously lived in Australia before he joined the team at Radley, is set to relocate to Melbourne to start his new role as chief executive officer of outdoor label Kathmandu. However, he will remain at Radley for another six months, whilst the label begins its search for his successor.

He first joined Radley in early 2013 and during his short tenure, during which the label was owned by private equity houses Exponent and Phoenix, he has been credited with staging a turnaround in the label's flagging profits by pushing for aggressive international expansion into Asian markets.

“We have undertaken a comprehensive international search to fill the role and we are delighted Xavier has agreed to join Kathmandu as our new Chief Executive Officer," commented David Kirk, chairman of Kathmandu.

“Xavier has wide experience in retailing and brand development in Australia and in many international markets. He has a proven track record building brands and developing successful retail businesses in fashion, apparel, accessories and related products. Xavier and his family are Australian citizens and they are very much looking forward to returning to live and work in Australia.”

Commenting on his new role, Simonet said: “I am delighted to join Kathmandu and to move back to Australia. The potential for further growth at Kathmandu is strong, particularly internationally, and I am really looking forward to working with the team.”

Prior to joining Radley, Simonet was vice president and general manager international for apparel and undergarment group DB apparel.