HONG KONG, CHINA. Bluebell Group today announced the appointment of two prominent industry executives, Sharmila Murat and Emmanuel de Place (the latter a well-known and much-respected figure in travel retail), to its top management team.
The appointments will significantly bolster the group’s strategic capabilities and strengthen its position in Asian retail, Bluebell said.
Murat is named to the newly created regional role of Group Chief Commercial Officer, reporting directly to Group President & CEO Ashley Micklewright.
Murat will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company’s strategic direction, Bluebell said. She was formerly Chief Investment Officer at the Chalhoub Group, where she was integral to the creation and launch of new brands and concepts.
Murat spent almost 14 years with Chalhoub and has more than 25 years of strategic, operating, and investment experience in the US and the Middle East. Her extensive background in driving growth, transforming businesses, and championing exceptional consumer experiences makes her an ideal fit for Bluebell Group’s mission, the company added.
Emmanuel de Place takes over the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Bluebell Korea, also reporting into Micklewright. De Place brings over two decades of transformative leadership in travel retail and selective distribution of luxury, fashion, and high-end consumer goods, Bluebell noted.
He has spent most of his career at Lagardère Travel Retail, firstly in Canada and the US, then managing Central Europe. Since 2010, he has been Regional CEO for Asia-Pacific, based in Singapore, where he led the rapid development of the group’s luxury and fashion businesses, particularly in Greater China, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand
Bluebell highlighted de Place’s success in Asia Pacific forging new partnership with brands and local retailers, shaping new business models, and developing innovative retail concepts and customer experiences. His solid experience of operational management and his track record in driving business growth will be invaluable to the future of Bluebell Korea’s development, the company said.
“We are delighted to welcome both Sharmila Murat and Emmanuel de Place to the Bluebell Group,” said Micklewright. “Their proven industry leadership in driving growth and transformative strategies will be invaluable in our journey towards our success in Asia’s luxury retail industry.”
The company added, “With these strategic hires, Bluebell Group reinforces its commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury retail experiences and further solidifies its position as a leader in the industry.”
Family-owned Bluebell Group has been a pioneering distribution and retail force in Asia since 1954. The company is present in Japan, South Korea, Mainland China (including Hainan), Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Macau SAR, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Australia.
Its distribution network includes flagship stores, shop-in-shops, counters, its own multi-brand concepts, and a selective wholesale network. The group also operates direct ecommerce and marketplaces, covering domestic and travel retail channels.
The group operates across multiple product categories, including accessories, footwear, apparel, fragrance, beauty, gourmet, jewellery, watches, and tobacco. Bluebell has over 3,800 staff, 650 points-of-sale, and generates around US$2 billion in turnover. Also see www.bluebellgroup.com ✈
