Kim Kardashian appoints Angela Ahrendts as senior operating advisor to her private equity firm Skky Partners. The new consultant comes from a former Apple retail manager, where she was one of the few female executives at the time. Previously, before joining the tech giant, Angela Ahrendts served as Managing Director of British fashion house Burberry. Under his leadership, the British brand tripled its sales and quadrupled its share price.
Kim Kardashian launched her own private equity firm last summer with the backing of Jay Simmons, head of consumer affairs at the Carlyle Group. Although the company has yet to close its first deal, the entrepreneur told the Wall Street Journal that the company has “narrowed down the list of brands that it believes have very strong growth potential.” Skky Partners will be responsible for consumer and media investments. Angela Ahrendts will take on the role of research, evaluation and brand identification, acting as a coach and mentor. “There are rare moments in life when you meet people whose vision, mission and values are so aligned with your own,” the new consultant said, “and then you all together feel that you can really do something different.” Angela Ahrendts also sits on the board of directors of Ralph Lauren, Airbnb and advertising holding WPP.
The first operating consultant for Skky Partners was Kris Jenner, mother of Kim Kardashian, who joined the company during the launch period. Skky Partners has also hired managers from private equity firms such as Permira, Blackstone and L Catterton.
Tags: fashion , Kim Kardashian , Vogue , SKKY Partners , Angela Ahrendts