Jott Appoints Turnaround Expert Thierry Miremont Amidst Growth Pains

Thierry Miremont, a distinguished specialist in corporate turnaround and transformation, was appointed president of the Marseilles-based down jacket brand Just Over The Top (Jott) in September. Miremont brings a wealth of experience, having spent the last three years leading the growth of the French subsidiary of international corporate advisory firm FTI Consulting. His extensive career includes serving as CEO or president at prominent companies such as Lafuma Immobilier, CFC Croisière, Fram, Europcar, and TNT. Furthermore, he possesses significant expertise within the ready-to-wear sector, having previously served as COO of Quiksilver Europe for three years.

Miremont’s appointment underscores the considerable growing pains Jott is currently experiencing. The brand achieved remarkable revenue of nearly €150 million in 2022, following a period of rapid and aggressive expansion. In 2021, the L Catterton investment fund, which is notably linked to LVMH and the Arnault family, acquired a significant stake in Jott. Despite this investment and its rapid growth since its launch 15 years ago by Nicolas and Mathieu Gourdikian, the brand has been struggling to identify the optimal strategy to scale its business effectively and establish itself as an enduring success in the long term.

Over the past few years, Jott has seen a succession of senior executives attempting to steer the company onto a more stable path. The brand has primarily relied on a strategy of rapid replication of its retail concept beyond France, now boasting distribution through approximately 1,000 retailers, including 200 monobrand stores across roughly 30 countries. In 2021, Didier Lalance joined Jott, focusing his efforts on cultivating a more upmarket positioning and diversifying the brand's product range. More recently, Benjamin Durand-Servoingt, who previously worked at McKinsey and the Etam group, took charge of the company in 2024, at a time when L Catterton was reportedly assessing the potential opportunity of selling the brand.

Currently, Jott maintains a significant presence with major concessions within numerous department stores. However, this year has also seen the brand close several of its own stores located in medium-sized French cities. Looking ahead, Jott is set to exhibit at Pitti Uomo in Florence next January and Who's Next in Paris, strategic moves aimed at boosting its presence and engagement with multibrand retailers. When contacted by FashionNetwork.com regarding his new role, Miremont has, for the time being, declined to offer any comment.