Michael Kors is a world-renowned, award-winning designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear. His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of products through his Michael Kors and MICHAEL Michael Kors labels, including accessories, footwear, watches, jewelry, men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and a full line of fragrance products. Michael Kors stores are operated, either directly or through licensing partners, in some of the most prestigious cities in the world, including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, London, Milan, Paris, Munich, Istanbul, Dubai, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Luxury Lifestyle Brand Michael Kors
Photo credits Michael Kors
The company new changes include Stephane Lafay has been named to the newly created role of President of Asia. He will report to John D. Idol, the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Lafay’s appointment, effective July 28th, 2014, reflects the brand’s powerful momentum in the region and its sustained focus on growth. “This is a pivotal moment for the brand as we continue to invest and work to build a strategic roadmap for the Asia region,” says Mr. Idol. “Stephane has a long history of building luxury businesses in Asia. His skills and experience will be a tremendous asset for us going forward.”
Mr. Lafay was most recently at Tiffany & Co., where he held the position of Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan. Lauded for his leadership and in-depth knowledge of the region, he led the brand to consistently strong results. Prior to his five-year tenure at Tiffany & Co., Lafay was President of Bulgari Japan from 2004 to 2009. He served as General Manager of Parfums Nina Ricci Japon for the Puig Group from 2001 to 2003.
“The Asian market is an important region for us to develop as we continue to grow our global luxury brand,” says Mr. Idol. “We’re excited to take advantage of the momentum our brand has recently generated. In the past two years we’ve been able to double our store count to over 100 locations in the region. Stephane’s experience and leadership will help enable us to capitalize on our momentum in the region.”
“I’m delighted to be joining Michael Kors at such an exciting moment in the brand’s development,” says Mr. Lafay. “Having worked in Asia for 25 years, and spent nearly two decades building brands in the region, it’s clear to me that there is enormous opportunity for Michael Kors there. I look forward to being part of the team that turns this potential into reality.”