Longevity is the name of the game at Bestseller. Director of France for the Danish fashion group since 2013, Thibaut Demange has also been entrusted with Italy from August 2024. Until now, this country was managed by Bjørn Iversen, who has been with the company for 39 years.

Thibaut Demange will be heading up the Italian market, building on his success in France. According to the company, under his leadership the group’s sales in France have doubled in four years. I’m honoured to take on this dual responsibility,” says Thibaut Demange. I look forward to working closely with the teams to build on the solid foundations laid by Bjørn and to drive growth – particularly in the retail market, where our biggest brands have yet to reach their full potential.”

Italy, like France, is one of the company’s five biggest markets, according to its annual report. Operating mainly in the mid-range segment, its portfolio of brands comprises around fifteen labels (Jack & Jones, Vila, Vero Moda, Pieces, Only, Y.A.S…), and is regularly updated with the addition of new names. At the end of 2023, Bestseller unveiled the Annarr label, targeting men with a rather premium offering.

In its 2022/23 financial year, the group saw its sales rise by 5% to 4.96 billion euros, while its pre-tax profit fell by 19% to 664 million euros. Its global network comprises almost 2,700 sales outlets, 600 of which are managed by partners, as well as 16,000 multi-brand retailers.