Esprit appoints new CEO

Apparel brand Esprit has announced the appointment of Jose Manuel Martinez

Gutierrez as its new Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.

Martinez joins Esprit from Inditex, the owner of Zara, where he was group director of distribution and operations. Prior to this, he was the country manager for the Zara brand across Scandinavia, where he had top and bottom line accountability, and before joining Inditex, he spent eight years at McKinsey & Company where he led the firm's retail and consumer goods practice in Spain.

Raymond Or, Non-Executive Chairman of Esprit, said: "We are delighted that Mr. Martinez, a professional with a wealth of experience in global retailing, has joined Esprit as our new Group Chief Executive Officer, and the successor to Mr. Ronald Van Der Vis.

"Mr. Martinez has a track record of outstanding leadership that will be critical to executing Esprit's transformation plan. He is passionate about continuing the work to revitalize Esprit's brand, and brings with him a unique perspective built from within the fashion retailing business and during his many years as a consultant to our industry."

Paul Cheng, Non-Executive Deputy Chairman of Esprit, added: "Mr. Martinez's impressive performance, coupled with his international perspective, will bring enormous value to Esprit as we continue on our journey to drive growth over the coming years. I am confident that his energy, integrity and innovative thinking will help us to take the Esprit brand and business to a leading position with our global target customers."

Commenting on his appointment, Martinez commented: "I am honoured and thrilled to join Esprit as the new Group Chief Executive Officer, at this important chapter in the Company's history. I share the Board's vision for the Company and the brand, and am fully committed to delivering on the strategic, operational and financial objectives that will revitalise Esprit and its brand, and create value for its shareholders."

Martinez will take up his new position before the end of September.