Ewan Venters, the previous chief government of Fortnum & Mason, has joined the board of the designer label Paul Smith Ltd.
His appointment as a non-executive director comes shortly after stepping down as CEO of world up to date artwork gallery Hauser & Wirth, the place he additionally oversaw the acquisition of London’s well-known Groucho Membership.
Sir Paul Smith, founder and chairman of the eponymous vogue model, described Venters’ arrival as “a pivotal moment”, emphasising that the corporate is exploring “key strategies to shape the future” of the enterprise. Venters, who was honoured with an OBE in 2024 for companies to worldwide commerce, mentioned he had lengthy admired “what is indisputably a great British brand” and was excited concerning the label’s subsequent section of development.
Earlier than Hauser & Wirth, Venters spent eight years at Fortnum & Mason, presiding over a interval of document efficiency. He additionally held senior posts at Selfridges and is presently chair of the non-public sector council of the federal government’s GREAT marketing campaign. As well as, he sits on the newly fashioned Smooth Energy Council and serves as a trustee of the King’s Basis.
Paul Smith Ltd, based in 1970, made its identify in menswear earlier than increasing into different areas of vogue and way of life. A big minority stake within the firm was bought to Itochu, its Japanese licensing accomplice, in 2006. Though Sir Paul stays intently concerned with the model, Venters’ appointment suggests a renewed concentrate on strategic innovation and growth for the heritage British label.
