Tom Mendenhall takes over the leadership of Stella McCartney following Amandine Ohayon’s departure and the complete buy-back from LVMH.
The ethical luxury fashion house has named veteran executive Tom Mendenhall as its new chief executive, a decisive move to steer the brand into its next chapter as a fully independent company.
Mendenhall, who succeeds Amandine Ohayon after nearly two years at the helm, brings extensive experience from luxury powerhouses such as Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Gucci. Most recently, he co-founded the menswear retailer Jamestown Hudson, which he will continue to oversee alongside his new role.
The leadership transition comes after the repurchase of LVMH’s minority stake, restoring full control of the label to Stella McCartney. The announcement arrives at a moment when the luxury sector is experiencing a slowdown and a period of strategic recalibration.
In an official statement, Stella McCartney shared her excitement at the appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Tom into our family. His experience in the world of luxury and his shared vision for conscious fashion make him the ideal leader for this new phase.”
Amandine Ohayon, who oversaw the transition and separation from LVMH, will continue to serve as an adviser during the adaptation period, ensuring continuity with the brand’s core values.
The arrival of Mendenhall marks the beginning of a bold new era for Stella McCartney, one that seeks to combine strategic direction with the house’s unwavering commitment to sustainable, ethical and cruelty-free fashion.