Aus expansion in sight for forecaster
MELBOURNE: Stylesight looks set to drive its global representation of the Australian and Asia Pacific markets following the appointment of a new Asia Pacific head.
Based at the global trend forecaster's Hong Kong offices, David Kurtz has been hired to the newly created position of senior vice president of sales for the Asia Pacific. Prior to joining Stylesight, Kurtz was a senior sales executive and China country manager for Worth Global Style Network (WGSN) in Asia, where he established the company's expansion to China and, interacting with leading retailers, brands and manufacturers, contributed to WGSN's overall growth strategy in Asia.
According to Stylesight director of client services Australasia Eryn Bowen, Kurtz's appointment would enhance Australian fashion's standing within Stylesight's offer.
"We now have a strongly focused direction in the Asia Pacific market, and part of that will take the form of expanded coverage of Australian design, retail, events and trends, particularly with regard to Australian sectors with a strong global reputation, such as surfwear."
With Stylesight having "Australian and Asia Pacific designers and brands are increasingly well regarded in the northern hemisphere, and it's widely accepted that, unlike the old days, the trends are not always initiated and defined by Europe."
Meanwhile Stylesight's Australasian business would also benefit from another appointment further afield, she said. Bill Andrulevich had been appointed executive vice president of operations and business development, based at Stylesight's New York offices. Andrulevich would work closely with Stylesight's CEO and executive team to develop new product extensions and partnerships.
Founded in 2003, Stylesight is headquartered in New York, with offices in Los Angeles, London, Paris, Sao Paulo, Hong Kong, and Melbourne, and includes a global staff of trend-spotting correspondents. With subscribers including retail and manufacturing companies worldwide, its offer includes a search library with more than three million images as well as market intelligence and technology tools designed to facilitate product development.
The announcement follows a similar moved by UK trend forecasting service Mudpie which intends setting up an Australian office to service the Asia Pacific region early next year.