LONDON — Smythson has named Mark Daley as chief executive officer, the British luxury leather goods and stationery firm said Monday.
Daley’s appointment is effective immediately, and Smythson noted that the executive had been in discussions with the firm’s owner and chairman Jacques Bahbout for the past few months, “gaining insight into the brand’s unique positioning and potential.”
Bahbout had been leading the company as chairman since late 2013, after former chief executive Andy Janowski stepped down from the role. Daley will report to Bahbout.
Daley joins the firm from Ralph Lauren Corporation, where had served as president, Asia-Pacific for the past five years. Prior to that, Daley was ceo of Dean & Deluca’s U.S. and international markets, and before that group president for worldwide operations and business development for DFS, part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton’s selective retail division.
Bahbout commented: “Together with his strategic business experience, Mark brings the leadership and energy needed to take the brand forward,” he said. Daley added that he aims to “guide [Smythson’s] development as we take the brand forward to reach its true potential as one of the largest British luxury lifestyle brands.”