Letrilliart has been with Christian Dior Couture since 1992, heading the men’s division. He will report to Francois BaufumA, president of Christian Dior Couture and chairman of Christian Dior Inc.
According to a statement from Dior, Lipko’s departure was “due to a difference of opinion concerning the direction of the company.” Lipko declined to elaborate Monday on why he had resigned.
Lipko had been with Dior since June 1994 as president and chief operating officer, and before that, held the same posts at Lopez-Canbil Ltd., makers of Paloma Picasso accessories.
Dior generates between $275 million and $300 million in wholesale volume in the U.S. Dior’s licensed volume had been twice the size five years ago, according to sources, but the company since terminated several of its men’s wear licenses. Dior’s licensees include Jones Apparel Group for suits; Grosse for jewelry; Cuddlecoat for coats, and Carrera for eyewear. Christian Dior is owned by FinanciAre Agache, a holding company controlled by Bernard Arnault.