Sophia Hwang-Judiesch is the new head of Esprit in Australia & New Zealand, overseeing both retail and wholesale operations. The appointment will see Hwang-Judiesch move from her current base in Hong Kong where she has been Esprit's country manager for Hong Kong and Macau since 2007.
Hwang-Judiesch's history with the international men's, women's and childrenswear retailer dates back even further, with stints as the country manager for Taiwan and as regional merchandising manager for Asia as well.
Hwang-Judiesch's appointment follows the departure of Bousie from Esprit's Sydney head office in early June. Bousie had been with the apparel retailer since June 2006. Prior to his time with Esprit Bousie was general manager of the Colorado Group.
The reshuffle within Esprit's Australian office follows leadership changes at its German headquarters, as well as a drop in the company's operating profit levels from HK$7.7 billion in 2008 to HK$3.8 billion in 2010.
Recent appointments at the international level include former H&M leaders Jan Nord and Jorgen Andersson to the roles of artistic director and brand manager respectively. In May 2011, former Adidas Group executive Christophe Bezu joined as Esprit's new chief wholesale officer.
Esprit is also investing in a higher profile marketing campaign for summer 2011/12, recruiting known fashion faces Erin Wasson, Jess Hart, Daisy Lowe and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld.
For Ragtrader's full interview with Sophia Hwang-Judiesch, see the 1 July edition.