Brown-Philpot, who is based in the US city of Detroit, where StockX has its headquarters, also serves on the boards of Nordstrom and HP.

Rip Curl gets new CEO

Surfing brand Rip Curl has announced that the general manager of its women’s category,  Brooke Farris, will take up the vacant CEO position left by Michael Daly after he succeeded Xavier Simonet as leader of the wider Kathmandu Group earlier this year.

Farris joined Rip Curl in 2010, moving her way up from running Rip Curl surf events around the world and executing the brand’s marketing strategy to overseeing and growing its women’s business globally.

“Brooke has contributed greatly to Rip Curl’s success and growth over the past 11 years with her indisputable commitment to the brand, our product, and our crew,” said Daly, who was named group chief executive and managing director of Kathmandu Group three months ago.

“I am confident she will bring this same commitment and leadership in her new role.”

Farris said she is looking forward to building on Rip Curl’s “esteemed 52-year history and capitalise on the brand’s continued market success”.

KFC Asia’s chief marketing officer to move to Westpac

Westpac Group has named KFC Asia CMO Annabel Fribence as its new chief brand and marketing officer.

In her new role, Fribence will be responsible for Westpac’s branding and marketing and the rest of the group’s brands which include Westpac, BT, St George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, and RAMS. 

Chris de Bruin, Westpac chief executive consumer and business banking, said Fribence will have a critical part in helping the company strengthen its connection and engagement with customers, stakeholders and communities across Australia.

“I’m looking forward to having Annabel join us in November and I know she will be a great advocate for our people, brands, and customers,” De Bruin said.

CEO of British retailer Frasers Group to step down

British billionaire Mike Ashley is planning to step down from his role as CEO of Frasers Group in May 2022 and hand the reins to Michael Murray, the group’s head of elevation. 

The company, which owns SportsDirect, House of Fraser and Flannels, said it is currently in discussions about transitioning the CEO role.

Murray, who has been assisting Ashley with property deals since 2016, has played a key role in the remodelling of Sports Direct stores and expansion of Flannels.

Ashley will remain on the company’s board as an executive director.