Seasoned fashion and retail executive Mario Grauso has joined investment firm Regent as operating partner of its fashion and luxury group, a new role.
Grauso confirmed the appointment exclusively to WWD, and said he would report directly to Michael Reinstein, Regent’s chairman and chief executive officer.
“Having served as a strategic adviser to Michael over the years, and currently as a member of the firm’s board, I’ve gained a deep understanding of its approach to brand development and broader vision for the fashion and innerwear space,” Grauso said.
He said he would “work across the group to lead brand and business strategy in close collaboration with the executive teams of each portfolio company, while also supporting the firm in identifying and executing new acquisition opportunities.
“My focus will be on shaping brand positioning and overseeing merchandising, product and creative direction to ensure alignment with the firm’s strategic objectives. This is a challenging yet exciting time for the industry, and I’m eager to contribute to building sustained success across its fashion portfolio,” he added.
Regent’s fashion holdings are headlined by Escada, Club Monaco and Swiss house Bally, which recently became one of the must-see shows during Milan Fashion Week.
Its wider portfolio also includes the retailer Intermix plus a clutch of hosiery and innerwear players: Dim, Intermix, Playtex, Wonderbra, Bellinda and La Senza.
Based in Beverly Hills, Regent invests across sectors including retail, luxury, media, technology, automotive and industrial. Its holdings range from Sassoon and Lydech to Boundless Learning, DiamondBack, Redline and DryBar, according to its website.
The firm also has offices in New York, Paris, London, Milan, Munich and Washington, D.C.
Grauso is probably best known for his stints as president of Holt Renfrew, Vera Wang Group, Joe Fresh and Puig Fashion, parent of Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci and Paco Rabanne.
The American executive also held senior positions at Celine, Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani earlier in his career.