Retail appointments of the week

oupon International and CEO of Groupon APAC and ANZ, has a wealth of experience in driving digital transformation of traditional businesses across Australasia spanning 19 years. “I jumped at the opportunity to join the Catch team,” Traplin said. “The journey and success of this Aussie e-commerce company over the past 10 years is one I have watched from close by, and I can’t wait to help Australia’s independent retailers access our powerful online community.” Traplin also held leadership roles at Yellow Pages Group NZ, Search Optics, and Sensis. Kathmandu confirms group CEO’s last day Outdoor fashion retailer Kathmandu announced Friday was group CEO Xavier Simonet’s last day with the company. Simonet’s executive team will report to company chair David Kirk until a new CEO has been appointed. Simonet’s resignation was announced in November last year after five years at the helm, with the company stating he had taken up a role as CEO of Austrade, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.  Kirk had said the group was disappointed to lose Simonet but that they understand his desire to move on to a new role. “Xavier has led Kathmandu Holdings through a period of growth and repositioning the company,” Kirk said. “We wish him well in the important work he will undertake.” Farewell to Australian fashion icon Carla Zampatti  Australian fashion designer Carla Zampatti died on April 3 at the age of 78. Zampatti had been hospitalised a week earlier following a fall on the stairs during the opening night of the outdoor performance of La Traviata at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Born in Italy in 1942, Zampatti migrated to Australia in 1950 and set up her fashion label 15 years later, the same year the Sydney Opera House was being constructed. She had her first ever fashion show there.  Zampatti’s designs have been worn by famous and influential Australian women, including Princess Mary of Denmark and Oscar award-winning Nicole Kidman. She took leadership roles outside of the fashion industry and was a known patron of the arts.  The mother of three and grandmother of nine was named Australian designer of the year in 1994, awarded the Australian fashion laureate in 2008 and a year later was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, Australia’s highest civilian honour. In 1999, she served as chair of the SBS Board and was a board member for several organisations, including the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the European Australian Business Council, Sydney Dance Company and the MCA Foundation. Zampatti is survived by her daughter Bianca Spender, her son Alexander Spender, CEO of the Carla Zampatti business and Allegra Spender, CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network. She was also the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren. Zampatti’s daughter Bianca, who followed in her footsteps as a designer and owns her own fashion brand, posted a tribute on Instagram. “I lost my mother, my inspiration, my mentor and my friend,” she wrote. “I am lost for words and totally heartbroken. “She leaves an undeniable legacy behind, and will remain a constant in the hearts of her loving family, friends and women all over Australia.” Peloton names country manager for Australia Fitness and technology retailer Peloton has named Karen Lawson as its country manager for Australia as the business launches its first stores in the country this year. Lawson, who also serves as a non-executive director – Investment Committee for Save the Children, said she was looking forward to the launch and excited to be joining the Peloton team. “I am thrilled to be leading Peloton Australia as we bring this iconic and much loved international brand and place it into the hearts, minds, homes and workplaces of Aussies,” she said.