Ted Baker CEO steps down
By Dean Blake
Ted Baker’s CEO Rachel Osborne has exited the business following a strategic review conducted by new owner Authentic Brands Group.
ABG purchased the business in October 2022 for $397m, and has been reviewing its head office, sales and merchandising staff since at least January 2023, according to Drapers.
Osborne’s exit is the latest in a string of departures, with the business’ head of creative Anthony Cuthberson stepping down in March. Chief financial officer Marc Dench, chief people officer Peter Collyer and business development director Helen Costello are expected to exit soon.
A statement from ABG told Drapers, “as we integrate Ted Baker into Authentic Brands Group’s business model, some of the senior executive team will be leaving us.
“We thank Rachel, Marc, Peter and Helen for the role they have played in the company’s journey to this point and their commitment and dedication to Ted Baker. They will leave behind a business growing from strength- to-strength with full support of Authentic.
“Everyone at Ted thanks them and wishes them well for the future.”
Dusk names new CEO
By Dean Blake
Vlad Yakubson has been named as the next CEO and managing director of specialty retailer Dusk. Yakubson’s appointment comes three months after former CEO Peter King announced he was exiting the business. He served for nine years at the helm.
“Having just completed my ninth Christmas as CEO of Dusk, I believe now is the right time for someone else to take the company forward,” King said at the time.
Incoming CEO, Yakubson currently serves as menswear retailer Yd’s general manager, and has previously held management positions at Mad Mex and Glue Store. Due to his current role, Yakubson’s commencement date is yet to be determined.
“Managing vertical specialty retail brands and fast changing markets and enhancing service-centric store environments has been a consistent feature of my career as a retailer [and] I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Dusk,” Yakubson said.
Dusk’s chairman John Joyce welcomed the appointment, and acknowledged that King’s efforts have left the business “well placed for continued success”.
Booktopia Group names David Nenke as its new CEO
By Rakshnna Pattabiraman
Pureplay book retailer Booktopia Group has appointed David Nenke as its new CEO, effective May 8.
Nenke has 25 years of executive experience in digital-focused retail businesses and was most recently the president of digital student solutions at Barnes and Noble Education in the US.
Booktopia chairman Peter George said the company had undertaken an “exhaustive international search to secure the right person” to lead Booktopia.
“David was the standout candidate from a very high calibre shortlist. He has hands-on knowledge and extensive experience as a leader in technology-driven e-commerce businesses.”
Of his appointment, Nenke said Booktopia is a “pioneer” of e-commerce in Australia and added, “steering the business through the post-Covid environment while transitioning to the Next Gen CFC presents a range of challenges and opportunities for the business.”
Nenke replaces Geoff Stalley who has been the acting CEO since July last year. Founder and former CEO Tony Nash will remain a non-executive director.
