Mosaic Brands has appointed Erica Berchtold as chief executive officer, succeeding Scott Evans.
Mosaic Brands chairman Richard Facioni confirmed there will be a three-month handover period as Berchtold, former chief executive officer of The Iconic, prepares to lead the fashion group.
“Having put the group back on its feet operationally, strategically, and financially, and having successfully navigated the group through Covid, Scott informed the board some months ago of his intention to retire.
“Over the past 10 years, Scott has overseen the amalgamation of nine underperforming and loss making brands and has successfully integrated them and turned them around.
"The group experienced five consecutive years of growth and profitability under his stewardship, until this was derailed by Covid. He has now set the business up for success in the coming years, under new leadership, by building an online operation from the ground-up, resetting our store strategy and broadening our customer base.
“The board thanks him for his vision and his relentless commitment and drive, through good times and some very tough times.”
Facioni said Berchtold will bring over 20 years of retail experience in customer-facing and digital retail, including as CEO of The Iconic and MD of Rebel Sport.
“As we accelerate our big box and digital strategy, Erica not only has the right skillset to drive the future direction of the group but also a strong understanding of our customers as a former general manager of two of our brands. I look forward to working with Erica as she takes the group forward."
Outgoing CEO Scott Evans said the business is well placed for growth after a challenging pandemic trading period.
“The Mosaic Brands I walked into over 10 years ago is radically different today in terms of its stores, digital offering and ever broadening customer base. The first turnaround was about growth and returning to profitability. The second Covid-related turnaround - survival then revival.
“Running retail in Australia is a great challenge and I am proud to say the group is once again profitable and on a solid operational and financial foundation. I look forward to seeing Mosaic go from strength to strength under Erica’s leadership.
“I also wanted to acknowledge and thank all of the Mosaic Brands team, past and present, for their hard work and commitment. There have been few easy decisions in the last few years, but the commitment of our team, from storefront to storeroom, has been incredible and I’ve been proud to lead them.”
Incoming CEO Erica Berchtold said Mosaic is operating in an increasingly dynamic and growing market category. Noni B, Rivers, Katies, Millers and Crossroads are brands within the Mosaic portfolio.
"Two thirds of all spending on clothing is now by Australian consumers aged 35 and older. Your average 50-year-old spends more on clothes each year than a 20-year-old.
“The huge shift to online in recent years also provides an enormous amount of data and information about those consumers’ shifting expectations and choices which will drive our strategy and direction.
“That’s why this is a really exciting opportunity and time to be leading a true omni-channel retailer.Low price is also not the antithesis of style. I will be looking to amplify the pride in our brands and the people behind them, in providing affordable fashion for all.”