Dunhill Appoints Richemont Veteran Matthew Ives as New CEO to Drive Brand Evolution

Dunhill, the esteemed Heritage British menswear brand and a key part of the Richemont luxury group, is set to welcome Matthew Ives as its new Chief Executive Officer in the middle of next month. This pivotal appointment marks a new chapter for the brand, with Ives stepping into the role previously held on an interim basis by Andrew Holmes, Dunhill's COO and CFO, who has served as interim CEO since the beginning of last year. Laurent Malecaze, Dunhill's former chief, has transitioned to lead Richemont's Chloé brand as its CEO.

Matthew Ives brings a wealth of experience to his new position. While his most recent role since 2022 was as SVP Chief Commercial Officer of De Beers London, his career before that was deeply embedded within the Richemont ecosystem. He boasts an impressive 11-year tenure with the luxury conglomerate, during which he held several significant positions. These included retail director for Cartier, retail director for Northern and Southern Europe at Van Cleef & Arpels, chief of staff in the CEO’s office, and a London-based senior associate when he first joined in June 2011. Prior to his extensive career at Richemont, Ives honed his analytical skills as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company.

This extensive background clearly positions Ives as a highly experienced luxury executive, intimately familiar with Richemont's operational intricacies and strategic vision. His return to the fold is expected to be under the direct leadership of Philippe Fortunato, who oversees the group's fashion and accessories businesses as CEO. Ives' profound understanding of the luxury market and internal Richemont workings will be crucial as Dunhill navigates its ongoing evolution.

Dunhill has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, addressing past challenges with a renewed strategic focus. The appointment of Simon Holloway as creative director, alongside other strategic business adjustments, appears to have successfully invigorated the brand's operations. This revitalization is evident in the widespread praise garnered by its recent collections, signaling a positive shift in its brand perception and market appeal.

Further demonstrating its commitment to growth and market presence, Dunhill has been proactively expanding its retail footprint. The brand has been consistently opening new stores in prime luxury locations worldwide, reinforcing its global reach. Looking ahead, a major highlight of this expansion strategy is the planned opening of a new flagship store on London’s prestigious Bond Street next year, underscoring Dunhill's dedication to enhancing its luxury retail experience and solidifying its position within the high-end menswear segment.