Richemont reshuffles board, nominates MycoWorks director
Luxury group Richemont has taken steps to follow through on its recently expressed commitment to “evolve” its existing governance structure.
Significantly, the Switzerland-based organisation has nominated Patrick Thomas and Jasmine Whitbread for election to its board of directors, subject to approval by Richemont shareholders at the company’s next annual general meeting on September 8.
Mr Thomas, previously the first and only non-family chief executive of Hermès, is currently a non-executive director of both biomaterials startup MycoWorks and Hermès-grown Chinese luxury house Shang Xia, as well as the chairman of Champagne Laurent-Perrier’s supervisory board. He also holds several other board-level positions.
Ms Whitbread, described by Richemont as having a long-standing interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, is presently non-executive chair of UK building materials company Travis Perkins.
The British businesswoman additionally holds multiple other positions, including roles as diverse as non-executive director of Standard Chartered bank, visiting fellow at Oxford University and advisor to Richemont’s governance and sustainability committee.
Richemont chairman, Johann Rupert, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Jasmine and Patrick to the board. Both bring unrivalled experience and expertise in areas of great importance to the group.
“I am certain that Jasmine’s focus on ESG and Patrick’s successful career in soft luxury will be invaluable as we embark on the next stage of our development.”
Belgian luxury leathergoods brand Delvaux was most recently fully acquired by Richemont, signifying the group’s keen interest in the category going forward.
