Super Retail Group, new owner of the Rebel Group, has appointed Specialty Fashion Group general manager Erica Berchtold as managing director of sports retailing.
Berchtold, who has previously worked for Rebel as general manager, merchandise, is currently employed by Specialty Fashion Group as general manager of the Crossroads and Autograph businesses.
She will join the company as managing director of sports retailing on November 7, replacing former Rebel Group CEO John Joyce. As part of her new role, Berchtold will assume direct responsibility for driving growth in the Rebel business as well as integrating Rebel into the Super Retail Group.
Commenting on the appointment, Birtles said Berchtold's 15 years of experience in the retail sector is a welcome asset to the company, following the takeover.
“Ms Berchtold’s appointment underlines our commitment to integrating and driving the Rebel business and we are delighted to welcome her to the group. Ms Berchtold’s background and experience in the fashion and leisure retail sectors make her ideally suited to her new role,” he said.
“[Her] skills are a great match for the group and we look forward to working with her to further develop the Rebel business. I would also like to thank Mr John Joyce for his contribution in leading the Rebel Group business over the last four years.”
Birtles added that securing a proactive team to help boost the group's sales is the company's first priority in the short-term.
“We are pleased to have now completed the acquisition of the Rebel Group. The acquisition represents a fantastic opportunity for the group to leverage its retail and supply expertise and to build Rebel’s position as the national leader in sporting goods retailing,” he said.
“A key focus of the business will be to establish a plan for driving like-for-like sales. To achieve this it is important to have a strong team in place across the Super Retail Group to build and develop our brands.”
The acquisition by Super Retail Group of the Rebel Group from Archer Capital was officially completed yesterday for a sum of $610 million, as previously reported on www.ragtrader.com.au.