Online fashion retailer The Iconic has nabbed new chief executive Erica Bertchtold from Supercheap Auto and Rebel owner Super Retail Group, which now faces losing two of its senior leaders in quick succession.
Global Fashion Group announced on Monday that Bertchtold will join the Iconic in February 2019 as chief executive, taking over from Patrick Schmidt, who has served in the role since 2013.
Schmidt took on the role of co-chief executive of parent company Global Fashion Group in February, and will become chairman of the Iconic in the shuffle.
Bertchtold is set to be the second high profile departure for Super Retail, with long-serving chief executive Peter Birtles to retire from the Boating Camping Fishing and Macpac owners next year.
She brings almost 20 years of retail experience to the e-commerce fashion juggernaut, most recently serving as managing director of the sports division for Super Retail, incorporating Rebel Sport, for seven years.
Prior to joining Super Retail, she held a number of senior management positions including general manager of two women’s apparel businesses for Specialty Fashion Group, general manager of merchandise and marketing for Rebel Sport and national product management roles at Harvey Norman.
“I am absolutely honoured to be joining The Iconic, the most dynamic, fastest growing fashion retailer across Australia and New Zealand. With a laser-focus on customer experience, the team has done an amazing job evolving the brand and it will be fantastic working with them to take the business to even greater heights. I’m humbled to be given this opportunity, accept it with two-hands and can’t wait to get started,” said Bertchtold.
Schmidt will remain chief executive until Bertchtold assumes her position in February 2019.
“We are thrilled to welcome Erica to The Iconic team after an extensive global search to appoint our new CEO. The Iconic is now serving millions of customers every year and although we’ve achieved great success to date, we’re only just getting started. Under Erica’s guidance, The Iconic will continue to thrive as it designs the future of fashion retail across Australia and New Zealand, liberating its customers with a seamless and inspiring shopping experience. We’re excited to have found the very leadership qualities in Erica that are required to ensure the continued success of one of GFG’s most important businesses, and I’m delighted to support Erica and The Iconic team,” said Schmidt.
With AAP.
