Global Fashion Group (GFG) has named Christoph Barchewitz as its new CEO and unveiled changes to board, effective March 1. 

Patrick Schmidt will stand down as Co-CEO after five years of co-leadership, and Christoph Barchewitz will become the sole CEO. Schmidt decided to quit GFG after 10 years as he wants to spend more time with his young family and on his renewable ventures.

Schmidt has “played a key role” in transforming GFG into a prominent fashion e-commerce company, according to the company, having first joined as CEO of GFG’s ANZ area. He also spearheaded the recovery of GFG’s SEA area as interim Zalora CEO. 

“It has been a privilege to spend the last 10 years at GFG alongside a hugely diverse and talented global team,” said Schmidt. 

“I am proud of what we have achieved together and to have co-led a business that is pioneering fashion e-commerce in growth markets.” 

As the new CEO, Barchewitz will be responsible for the Group’s senior management throughout all three zones of operation, as well as the company’s continued strategic and operational evolution in this next stage of development.

Meanwhile, Gunjan Soni has been selected as the new COO of GFG, in addition to her continuing role as CEO of Zalora. Soni, who joined GFG in 2019, will be responsible for fulfilling the group’s strategic priorities through the use of GFG’s technology capabilities.