US fashion house Marc Jacobs has appointed John Wattiker as chief marketing officer (CMO). In his new role, Wattiker will oversee the global marketing strategy of Marc Jacobs, driving efforts to elevate brand positioning, deepen consumer engagement and broaden global market reach.
Speaking on his appointmentouse as the team and I lean into what’s made Marc Jacobs special and singular for so long while we build for a very successful future.”
Wattiker succeeds former marketing executive Kristin Patrick and will report directly to Marc Jacobs chief executive officer, Eric Marechalle.
Strategic appointment follows ownership change
The executive hire comes shortly after French luxury conglomerate LVMH completed the sale of Marc Jacobs to US brand management firm WHP Global (WHP) and US apparel company G-III Apparel Group (G-III). Under the strategic arrangement, WHP and G-III established a 50/50 joint venture to hold the brand’s intellectual property, while G-III acquires and manages global operations spanning retail, wholesale and e-commerce.
G-III chairman and chief executive officer, Morris Goldfarb, previously highlighted plans to expand the brand globally following the acquisition. Wattiker represents the first major executive marketing appointment under the new joint ownership structure.
Leadership experience spanning media and finance
Wattiker brings extensive cross-industry experience to Marc Jacobs, having spent over 13 years at US media company Hearst. Most recently, he served as vice president of fashion and luxury, leading digital-first strategy and multi-channel marketing campaigns across iconic publications including Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Town & Country.
His prior roles at Hearst included executive sales director of fashion for Hearst Media Solutions, executive sales director for the Luxury Collection, executive director of fashion and retail for the Men’s Group, and international fashion advertising director for Esquire.
Before transitioning into fashion media, Wattiker built a background in wealth management and private banking. He served as vice president and private banker at German banking group Deutsche Bank from 2012 to 2013, following over four years at financial services firm JP Morgan as an associate private banker and analyst. He began his professional career in 2005 at cultural institution Smithsonian Institution and later worked in financial services consulting at PwC.
G-III Apparel Group
John Wattiker
Marc Jacobs
WHP Global
