Vale, Virgil Abloh – fashion industry trailblazer Virgil Abloh, artistic director at LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White, died on the weekend. Abloh had been battling cancer privately for several years, a statement from LVMH read. “We are all shocked after this terrible news,” LVMH chairperson and CEO Bernard Arnault said. “Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, a
at sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother, and their friend.”
Abloh trained as an architect and engineer in his early life, and transitioned to designing clothes in 2012. In 2013, he founded Off White, and he became the men’s artistic director of Louis Vuitton in 2018.
He also partnered and collaborated with artists and brands outside of the fashion space, from working with rapper Kanye West to designing album covers and furniture for Ikea.
Abloh’s official Instagram said he had battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer known as cardiac angiosarcoma, and chose to keep his battle private.
“Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity and optimism never wavered,” it stated. “Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”
SurfStitch managing director Justin Hillberg steps down
Justin Hillberg, managing director of shared services at SurfStitch-owner Alquemie Group, is stepping down from his role leading the surf brand’s restructure at the end of this week.
“While leaving was a difficult decision, the timing for an exit feels right for me and the business,” Hillberg said. “The Alquemie Group remains in a very strong position with exciting plans for the future and a strong executive team that is focused on delivering growth.”
Hillberg told Inside Retail the bulk of the work tied to the restructure is now complete, and the group is set up for future growth, creating a good time to allow someone else to take the reins. The shared services department he helped set up will oversee operations in SurfStitch, Lego, Ginger & Smart, and Pumpkin Patch, as well as help enable new acquisitions.
Hillberg joined SurfStitch as merchandise manager in 2014, before becoming general manager in 2015 and managing director in 2018. Officially, Hillberg ceased as SurfStitch’s managing director in October, after taking on his current role at Alquemie Group in August.
PepsiCo Australia and NZ welcomes new CEO from US business
PepsiCo has appointed Kyle Faulconer its new CEO for Australia and New Zealand, starting in January.
A US native, Faulconer will relocate to Sydney to take up the role. He is vice-president and general manager of PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay snacks business and is responsible for leading what the company describes as the “strategic agenda” for Walmart, one of its largest global customers.
Danny Celoni, the current CEO of PepsiCo’s Australia, NZ, and South-Pacific business, departs the company soon to head up Carlton & United Breweries.
Wern-Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and China, says Faulconer will bring deep customer experience, a strong track record of driving long-term growth in competitive markets and people-first leadership to the Australasian team.
The newcomer has been with the US-headquartered PepsiCo for 14 years, during which his roles have spanned field operations, strategic account leadership, and direct-to-consumer sales strategy.