Virtua

🎉 Wrapping Up an Incredible 2024! 🎉 As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an exceptional 2024 filled with growth, achievements, and new opportunities. At Virtua, we set bold goals—and, we delivered: 📈 +41% Growth in revenue—our biggest leap yet! 🏢 2 New Subsidiaries in Miami and Dubai, expanding our global reach. 👩💼 7 New Hires, bringing fresh talent and expertise into the fold. 🤝 20 New Clients, each one a valued partner in our journey. 📱 11,196 New Followers, growing our engaged community. 👀 2,049,594 Impressions, spreading our message further than ever. ❤️ 27,962 Reactions, showing the impact of our work. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team and the trust of our forward-thinking clients. You make Virtua what it is - a no-nonsense, results-driven partner for ambitious brands worldwide. Here’s to an even bigger, bolder 2025!

Wood Wood, the Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle brand, is embarking on a transformative journey following its acquisition by DK Company earlier this year. Under the renewed creative direction of co-founder Brian SS Jensen and newly appointed head of design Gitte Wetter, formerly of Samsøe Samsøe, Wood Wood is set to redefine its identity while staying true to its core values of creativity, collaboration, and distinct design concepts. A strategic focus will be placed on separating the mainline from the ‘Double A by Wood Wood’ collection, allowing the brand to maintain its premium positioning in select markets and expand its reach without compromising its identity. The first collection from this revitalised creative team is anticipated for Autumn/Winter 2025, blending classic elements with a modern street influence to offer a fresh yet nostalgic aesthetic. As Wood Wood prepares for this new chapter, it aims to expand its presence across Europe and other international markets, carefully considering the regions in which it operates to ensure sustainable growth. At Virtua, we recognise the significance of strategic leadership and creative vision in driving brand evolution. Wood Wood’s commitment to innovation and thoughtful market expansion positions it as a brand to watch in the coming years. #FashionIndustry #BrandEvolution #CreativeLeadership #WoodWood #VirtuaInsights

From rapid international growth to standout product innovation, the 2025 Brands to Watch list is here—and it’s packed with the names redefining sports, fashion, and performance markets. At Virtua, we’ve spotlighted the brands pushing boundaries, so if you’re in the industry, these are the ones to watch, learn from, and engage with. Whether it’s groundbreaking marketing strategies, key hires, or category-defining expansions, these leaders are shaping the future. See who’s making moves and why they matter in 2025.

Jetan Chowk has been appointed as Chief Technology & Transformation Officer at JD Sports Fashion. This role comes at a pivotal time for JD Sports as the business accelerates its global strategy, driven by innovation, customer experience, and omnichannel growth. With over 3,400 stores across 38 countries, JD Sports is no stranger to leading the way in sports fashion and retail. Jetan’s leadership will focus on harnessing technology to streamline operations, enhance collaboration across teams, and deliver meaningful results for customers worldwide. Under his guidance, JD Sports is set to: • Advance its AI-driven initiatives, like the integration of Algolia for enhanced online search capabilities. • Build on its omnichannel strategy, making shopping seamless across physical and digital spaces. • Continue investing in customer-centric technology solutions that redefine the retail experience. Congratulations to Jetan on this incredible opportunity! His vision and expertise will undoubtedly drive JD Sports to new heights. Here’s to a transformative journey ahead for Jetan and the JD Sports team! #Leadership #Innovation #JDGroup #TechnologyTransformation #RetailTech

Merrell, a renowned outdoor footwear brand, has announced the appointment of Noreen Naroo Pucci as its new Chief Product Officer. Naroo-Pucci brings a wealth of experience in the fashion and footwear industry, having held leadership roles at prominent brands such as Calvin Klein, Under Armour, and Mizzen+Main. The newly appointed CPO will be responsible for shaping Merrell’s product strategy and driving innovation. As the brand ventures on the growing trend of outdoor-inspired lifestyles, Naroo-Pucci’s expertise will be crucial in developing products that cater to this evolving consumer demand. Janice Tennant, Merrell’s Global Brand President, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Naroo-Pucci is also dedicated to education and has served as a faculty member at prestigious institutions like MICA, Parsons School of Design, and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Read full article: https://lnkd.in/gvjPdwwc #Noreen Naroo Pucci #Merrell #CPO #Retail #Business #Fashion #Appointment

Zalando is set to acquire ABOUT YOU, marking a significant move that aims to create a B2C and B2B e-commerce powerhouse in the fashion industry! This strategic takeover will strengthen Zalando’s market position and diversify its offerings, allowing it to leverage About You's successful brand and customer base. The acquisition is expected to enhance Zalando’s capabilities in both consumer and business sectors, providing a broader reach and more comprehensive services. With this merger, Zalando is positioning itself as a mega giant in online fashion retail, driving growth and innovation in an increasingly competitive landscape. This development underscores the importance of scale and collaboration in the contemporary e-commerce environment, as the two brands join forces to make a significant impact in the market. Stay tuned as this exciting transition unfolds! Read full article: https://lnkd.in/gKpugzac #Zalando #Fashion #Footwear #Business #Sports #AboutYou #Luxury

PUMA Group and Manchester City Football Club are revolutionising football fashion with the launch of an AI-powered kit design platform! This innovative tool allows fans to create their own unique kit designs, merging technology and creativity in a groundbreaking way. Users can customise colours, patterns, and logos, giving them a chance to showcase their personal style while celebrating their favorite team. The platform also aims to foster community engagement, allowing fans to share their designs and participate in competitions. This initiative not only enhances fan interaction but also strengthens the bond between supporters and the Manchester City brand. With this bold move, Puma and Manchester City are setting a new standard in sportswear, blending cutting-edge technology with fan creativity. Get ready to unleash your inner designer and make your mark on the pitch! Read full article: https://lnkd.in/gJ2bgH55 #Puma #Manchestercity #Football #Design #AI #Launch #Sport

Bee Inspired is making waves with the appointment of Josh Hughes as its new Creative Director! Hughes, who joins from ESL FACEIT Group - EFG where he was Head of Merchandise Design, brings a wealth of experience from top brands like Lyle & Scott, KENT&CURWEN, and New Era Cap. His vision is set to elevate Bee Inspired at this pivotal moment. In a LinkedIn announcement, the brand noted that Hughes is perfectly positioned to take them to new heights in creative direction. His role will focus on shaping the brand’s future initiatives. This move comes shortly after Kyrk M. was named the new CEO, signaling a commitment to rapid growth and an expanded retail footprint. They’ve also brought on Will Wilkie as Head of Digital Marketing from Oh Polly. With these bold leadership shifts, Bee Inspired is ready to redefine its brand and make a powerful impact in the fashion space! Read full article: https://lnkd.in/g7ew3T7S #BeeInspired #JoshHughes #Appointment #Fashion #Business #CreativeDirector

K-Way Names Luca Lo Curzio as New CEO—A Bold Step for Global Growth Big news from K-Way: Luca Lo Curzio, with over 20 years of leadership experience in retail and luxury industries, has stepped in as CEO. Previously at JIL SANDER, Lo Curzio’s proven expertise spans major brands like Luxottica, Zegna, and L'Oréal, making him the perfect choice to lead K-Way into its next chapter. With the recent strategic investment from Permira Funds, Lo Curzio will focus on growing K-Way’s global footprint, enhancing its digital and e-commerce capabilities, and reinforcing its position in Italy and France. As the brand approaches its 60th anniversary in 2025, this leadership move marks a pivotal moment in K-Way’s mission to become a global powerhouse. Lo Curzio’s appointment reflects an aligned vision between K-Way, BasicNet SpA, and Permira to unlock the brand’s untapped potential. From its rich heritage to its innovative approach, K-Way is set to make waves under his guidance. Here’s to the next chapter of growth and innovation for this iconic brand. Watch this space. #Appointment #Kway #CEO

Cotopaxi announces the appointment of Lindsay Shumlas as New CEO. Cotopaxi is making a significant leap forward as it appoints Lindsay Shumlas as its new Chief Executive Officer, a move that signals the brand’s commitment to its purpose-driven mission and ambitious growth plans. Under Shumlas' leadership, Cotopaxi plans to continue innovating beyond its original focus on colorful backpacks, expanding into apparel and travel gear while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Shumlas, who previously served as COO and CFO at Cotopaxi, succeeds Damien Huang. With extensive experience in consumer brands, she aims to enhance the company's direct-to-consumer channels and expand its international reach in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Wendy Yang, former president of HOKA and Teva, will become executive chairwoman, focusing on brand and product strategy. With continued support from founder Davis Smith, Cotopaxi is set to enhance its social and environmental impact while pursuing commercial growth. Read full article: https://lnkd.in/eMGFtPXP #Cotopaxi #CEO #Appointment #Moveforward #Lindsay Shumlas #Business #Wendy Yang