Ted Baker has poached Arcadia’s global design director for Topshop, Anthony Cuthbertson, as its new global creative director.
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Cuthbertson will replace Michael Bastian, who will continue as creative director on an interim basis until later in the year. Cuthbertson will be responsible for brand, product, store and creative direction strategy.
“We look forward to welcoming Anthony, whose experience at a number of high-profile brands has given him an excellent understanding of what it takes to amplify a brand and make it more relevant,” Ted Baker chief executive Rachel Osborne said.
At Topshop, Cuthbertson was responsible for overseeing all design and product as well as designer collaborations, Idol and boutique collections. Prior to that, he was the design director for Roberto Cavalli, based in Italy, where his remit included menswear, womenswear, accessories, beachwear & swimwear, optical, children’s, bijou, home and all licensing products.
“His experience will be particularly valuable as Ted Baker sets out to expand its product and its relevance, a crucial part of its strategy to return Ted Baker to profitable growth. We would like to thank Michael Bastian for his significant contribution as our interim creative director.He has set an exciting design direction for both men’s and women’s wear since joining us in January, and we look forward to seeing this come to life through our A/W20 collections,” Osborne said.
Ted Baker announced the appointment of David Wolffe as its new chief financial officer. Wolffe first joined the fashion retailer at the end of January as interim chief financial officer, and will now move into the role on a permanent basis and with immediate effect.
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The news also comes less than a month after Ted Baker appointed John Barton as its new non-executive chairman, although he would not begin in he role until July. The retailer has had a tough year and a half. From challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, to a scandal from sexual harassment allegations being levelled at founder Ray Kelvin, the retailer also saw a series of profit warnings and a £58 million inventory blunder that led to the sudden departure of Lindsay Page and David Bernstein as chief executive and chairman respectively last year.
(Source: Business Insider )