Global Fashion Group (GFG), the leading online fashion & lifestyle destination in LATAM, SEA and ANZ, today announces the appointment of Jere Calmes as Chief Executive Officer of THE ICONIC.
Jere is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across diverse sectors and is rejoining GFG after a successful three year tenure as CEO of Lamoda, which GFG sold in late 2022. Jere led Lamoda to grow NMV by over 140% to ~€1.3bn, with consistently strong profitability and positive cashflow since 2021. Under his leadership, Active Customers reached nearly 4 million, with order frequency increasing to over 5x per year. In three years, he transformed Lamoda into a robust Platform business, with Marketplace share of NMV growing to ~45% alongside the roll-out of sophisticated fulfilment solutions and tech capabilities, benefiting customers and brand partners alike, while also growing NPS to over 80%.
THE ICONIC, a well-established name in ANZ with over 2.2 million Active Customers, is poised for its next phase of development under Jere’s leadership. His extensive international experience in building innovative e-commerce platforms and his global industry networks bring a broad perspective that will have a positive impact on the business. Jere’s focus will be on enhancing THE ICONIC’s position in the region through a superior fashion and lifestyle assortment and customer experience, while transitioning it into a comprehensive Platform business.
Christoph Barchewitz, CEO, GFG said: “We’re extremely pleased to have Jere rejoin GFG as CEO of our ANZ business. His impressive track record in fashion e-commerce and adjacent sectors, leading sizable consumer-facing operations, make him an ideal fit for THE ICONIC. Jere is also familiar with the business and the significant opportunities ahead. I am really looking forward to working with him again and am confident he will continue building on THE ICONIC’s success.
On behalf of the GFG team, I would also like to thank Erica for her significant contributions to THE ICONIC and wish her all the best for the future.”
Jere Calmes, CEO Designate, THE ICONIC said: “I am honoured to be joining THE ICONIC and working with such a professional and dynamic team once again, both in Australia and across GFG. As one of the most loved e-commerce platforms in the region, offering the strongest assortment of local and international brands, the team has done an amazing job to evolve the business and I can’t wait to play a part in this fascinating future.”
Erica Bertchtold, Outgoing CEO, THE ICONIC said: “While it is bittersweet to be leaving THE ICONIC, I am delighted to hand over the reins to Jere who has been a trusted colleague for over three years as part of the GFG Executive team. I am confident Jere and the team will take THE ICONIC to new heights and I look forward to welcoming him soon.”
