UK's Asos appoints new chief executive officer and chair

Calamonte, who is currently the chief commercial officer of Asos, has become the CEO and a member of the Asos board with immediate effect. He is an experienced international retailer, with deep multichannel experience and a track record of driving innovation. He joined Asos from leading Portuguese fashion company, Salsa Jeans, where he held the position of chief executive officer for almost two years, the company said in a press release.

Calamonte has made a significant impact at Asos, taking responsibility for driving Asos’ product and trading strategy globally, encompassing design, sourcing, garment technology, buying and merchandising, global trading, Asos Studios and creative. He has overseen product, category and range strategy, pricing and margin, own-label product innovation and brand partnerships, leading a team of more than 1,000 people.

Lindemann, who joined the Asos board as a non-executive, will become chair, succeeding Ian Dyson, with effect from August 1, 2022. Lindemann has deep experience of leading digital-first businesses. In addition to his role on the Asos board, he is currently the chair of Miinto, the Danish-based online fashion marketplace and a board member of Bambuser AB. He is the former president and CEO of Modern Times group, the Sweden-based digital entertainment business and recently stood down from the board of Zalando following five-years as a non-executive director. Calamonte and Lindemann will continue to deliver against Asos’ refreshed strategic priorities, as set out at the Capital Markets Day in November 2021.

“Asos is a great business with a strong brand, a compelling customer offer and great people. I joined Asos because it is a business I had admired for a long time. I am excited at the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with the board, the rest of the executive team and all our Asos colleagues to deliver every day for our customers around the world and to create sustainable long-term value for all stakeholders,” Calamonte said in a statement.

“Lindemann has made a big impact since joining the board of Asos last year and I am delighted that he will step up to take the chair role and ensure a seamless transition as Dyson steps down. On behalf of the board, I want to thank Dyson for the substantial contribution he has made to Asos over his nine years on the board as a non-executive director, audit chair, senior independent director and, latterly, as chair,” Patrick Kennedy, senior independent non-executive director of Asos, said.

“I am delighted to be taking the role of chair of Asos. The board of Asos is clearly focused on ensuring we continue to make progress against our strategy, in spite of the unprecedented external challenges the business is facing. I look forward to working with Calamonte and the rest of the team to ensure delivery against our stated ambitions,” Lindemann said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)