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LONDON - Lulu Guinness has a new chief executive officer on board, and the brand is ready to roar.
WWD has learned the British accessories company, known for its chubby red lip motif and retro feel, has named Sandra Mertens-Lustig as ceo, a new role.
She will begin work later this month, and is already gearing for growth, with a store set to open next month on King Street in Covent Garden and expansion plans in the Far East.
Mertens-Lustig’s appointment follows that of David Hodgson as creative director. His new designs are set to arrive in-store in February. The company is privately owned, with founder and company namesake Guinness still holding a minority share.
In an interview, Mertens-Lustig, formerly joint managing director of Agent Provocateur, said she’s ready to unlock what she believes is enormous potential.
“The brand is like a little gold nugget,” said Mertens-Lustig, adding that she wants to “re-energize the brand and give it the recognition in the market...