Dries Van Noten has named Adrian Ward-Rees as its next president, the Puig-owned fashion and beauty house announced on Friday. The British executive succeeds Axel Keller, who is stepping down after more than five years with the company.
Ward-Rees joins from Moncler Grenoble, the luxury outdoors brand’s performance and ski line, where he was chief business officer for a little over two years. He will officially assume his role at Dries come December 1, with Keller remaining at the house until the new year to support the handover.
“During his tenure, Axel worked closely with the leadership and creative teams to support the development of the house’s retail, wholesale and digital activities, alongside strengthening its international presence and expanding its accessories offering,” an internal announcement reads. Keller oversaw the opening of flagship stores in New York and London, as well as leading the brand’s gallery retail concept in Brussels, Milan and Kyoto.
