Personalities
Finally Dior has a new creative director
After the abrupt firing of former chief designer John Galliano – because of public insulting – in March 2011 the French fashion house now names Belgian designer Raf Simons as new creative director.
The Belgian will be in charge of Dior’s women lines whereas another Belgian, Kris Van Assche has so far designed men’s fashion since 2007. Simons has been designing seven years up to last February for Jil Sander fashion house when the founder returned to the company. Last year Dior’s sales grew 21 % to EUR 1 billion (around USD 1.3 billion). Instead of the spectacular fashion presentations of John Galliano Dior couture house now settles for more intimate presentations of its lines in the couture salons of Paris. Simons is more introverted and considers fashion as very intense occupation. Dior belongs to LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and thus forms part of Bernard Arnault’s empire. Simons was not the only candidate interviewed, also Marc Jacobs was contacted, he designs for Louis Vuitton and turned down the Dior job. Simons will have its debut for Dior in coming July.
Senior Kimberly-Clark executive steps down
Jan Spencer, senior vice president of Kimberly-Clark and after serving the company for 34 years in various executive positions will take its retirement as of July 1, 2012.
His last assignment was overseeing continued improvement, sourcing and sustainability at the concern. Previously he led Kimberly-Clark Professional taking that business unit to over USD 3 billion turnover. He also headed the company’s European tissue and washroom businesses, the North American workplace business and was vice president of research and development. Chairman and CEO Thomas A. Falk commended him for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the growth and success of Kimberly-Clark. A successor has not been named so far.