EXCLUSIVE: Manolo Blahnik Names Andrew Wright President, North America

LONDON — Manolo Blahnik is on the move. A week after revealing the purchase of its Italian footwear manufacturer, Manolo Blahnik International Ltd. has named company insider Andrew Wright president of its North American operations. The house will bring its business in the region under direct control beginning Jan. 1, following the split with its long-term licensee George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA, and Anthony Yurgaitis, vice president of the company. In April the parties confirmed that they had not renewed their license. Since 2017, Wright has been responsible for the commercial and merchandising strategies across the wholesale, retail and e-commerce operations at Manolo Blahnik, and will be looking at the North American business through that lens, the London-based company said. An announcement is expected on Friday. Previously, Wright held executive and management positions at Polo Ralph Lauren, Bamford and Louis Vuitton, and “has a strong understanding of the commercial and business specificities of the North American luxury market,” according to the company. Kristina Blahnik, chief executive officer of Manolo Blahnik International Ltd., described Wright as a talented executive and a proven leader. “We have strong ambitions for our North American operations and are delighted to appoint someone of his caliber to this important position, especially as he

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