LONDON — Marie Leblanc, who helped remodel Victoria Beckham Ltd. right into a worthwhile life-style model, is stepping down as chief govt officer.
Leblanc is returning to France to be along with her household, the corporate mentioned. Within the interim, Ralph Toledano, chairman of Victoria Beckham Ltd., will act as CEO till a successor is called.
Leblanc joined the corporate in 2018 as product director earlier than taking on the CEO position a yr later. She oversaw a full model repositioning, and the shift to displaying seasonal collections throughout Paris Vogue Week.
Victoria Beckham, founder and artistic director, described Leblanc as “probably the most unbelievable companion and CEO, and I’m so grateful to have had such a robust, clever and provoking lady by my facet.”
Beckham mentioned the 2 have been by means of “an unbelievable journey collectively; combating fires facet by facet, exchanging passionately about design and product, and by no means dropping sight of our frequent objective — to construct a wonderful model and worthwhile enterprise. I’m so enthusiastic about this subsequent section that we’re in, which she has been such a vital a part of, and want Marie the most effective of luck along with her personal subsequent chapter.”
David Belhassen, founder and managing companion Neo Investments, which has a major minority stake within the enterprise, mentioned Leblanc “nailed it” as CEO.
“The turnaround of the model is great, the acceleration has began, and the model has develop into very fascinating. Marie has led this journey in good partnership with Victoria and Neo. I wholeheartedly want Marie all the most effective in her very promising profession,” he added.
Leblanc mentioned she’s pleased with the work she did as CEO over the previous 5 years, “placing artistic on the core and bringing collectively Victoria’s aesthetic and model DNA.”
She mentioned Victoria Beckham Ltd. “has maintained excessive requirements, delivers high quality merchandise and drives buyer engagement. I’m very assured the corporate is on observe to succeed in new heights.”
As reported, the corporate noticed income and earnings rocket in 2023, with the corporate reporting “substantial” development in wholesale, on-line and in its Mayfair flagship.
It reported a 52 p.c uptick in complete income to 89.1 million kilos in contrast with the earlier yr. Final yr was the third consecutive interval of high-double-digit development.
Based on the corporate, gross sales momentum has continued into 2024 throughout all product classes, and regardless of lackluster demand within the luxurious market.
In 2023, adjusted EBITDA, or earnings earlier than curiosity, taxes, depreciation and amortization, reached 1.8 million kilos, in contrast with 200,000 kilos in 2022.
When outcomes had been printed in August, Leblanc mentioned that following a repositioning in 2021, 2023 was “a really sturdy yr of progress for the corporate. We proceed to construct a loyal client following on the again of profitable Paris Vogue Week exhibits and new partnerships, with efficiency throughout direct-to-consumer channels and leather-based items being significantly constructive.”