C-Suite Changes at Designer Parfums

Designer Parfums has made organizational changes that it contend “clearly align its structure with its strategy.”

Santiago Alvarez is to be appointed to the newly created role of chief operating officer. Most recently he served as global commercial director for niche brands Penhaligon's and L'Artisan Parfumeur, after having held leadership positions at Puig, including markets such as China, Europe, Middle East, Russia and Africa.

“Santiago understands global sales, go-to-market strategy, brand development and operations, and has a proven track record of capturing the growth potential of beauty brands in multiple distribution channels across diverse geographies,” said Designer Parfums CEO, Dilesh Mehta.

Parag Vidyarthi, who has been a key part of the team for more than 10 years, is joint managing director.

Arkesh Shah has been confirmed into the Lladership team as joint managing director, after having advised Designer Parfums for several years, most recently as a strategic consultant to haircare brand Frédéric Fekkai, following a distinguished career in investment banking.

“We are very proud of what our team has accomplished during these years, and their hard work and commitment makes us confident that this group of people, with the right leadership, can take on additional challenges. We are delighted to formally bring Arkesh into Designer Parfums having led the acquisition of Playboy and Cerruti, to now oversee their integration into our business,” said Mehta.

Pascale Fontaine has been appointed global marketing director. Fontaine brings more 20 years of extensive and successful global marketing expertise in beauty brand building and license management, in the categories of fragrances, make up and body care. Starting her career at Unilever, she spent her last 17 years at Coty where she served most recently as global VP of Adidas fragrance and body care.

“I am pleased to have Pascale on board, and I am convinced she will very soon start contributing to the growth of our brands and our business,” continued Mehta.