Uniqlo parent company Fast Retailing has announced changes to Uniqlo’s senior leadership team, appointing Tadashi Yanai as chief executive and Daisuke Tsukagoshi as president and chief operating officer, starting from September 1.
Fast Retailing founder Yanai was previously executive director, chair and president of the business and will “continue to lead the managerial decision-making and business expansion processes” following the change.
The business added that Yanai will also continue to guide the management direction for the fashion group in his new role.
Tsukagoshi, who is currently board director at Uniqlo, will take on the role of global chief operating officer as well as taking over from Yanai as executive director and president.
Uniqlo attributed the shake-up of its team to its continued growth strategy and efforts to “strengthen the management structure” of the business.
Fast Retailing said: “The company sets high-level business targets and seeks to accelerate the growth in its global business in order to become the most-admired consumer brand worldwide.
“The company aims to further strengthen management function through the creation of a team that brings together managers in each market and accelerates a framework that drives the company’s teamwork-focused Zen-in Keiei management principle.
“This framework will help ensure that all divisions coordinate effectively and that all employees adopt a managerial mindset.”
Fast Retailing’s leadership shake-up and growth plans come as Uniqlo recently said it regards its presence in Europe as critical to building its global brand as it attempts to become a househould name outside of Japan.
Uniqlo opened a new store in London’s Covent Garden earlier this year which it said is a relevant location for the brand as it attempts to “elevate the store experience” with localised partnerships such as its Transport for London collaboration. Uniqlo currently has a relatively low profile outside of London, with stores in Manchester and Watford.
Despite not breaking out the UK specifically in its latest trading update, the fashion retailer continues to up its store opening targets both across Europe and in North America as it aims to open 30 stores in each region annually.
No comments yet