Excluding the company’s business in Japan, which will continue to operate separately, the new setup will support all Kate Spade New York businesses in Asia. Joe Wong has joined the company as senior vice president Asia to head up the new Hong Kong office.
With nearly 30 years of industry experience in the Asia region, he has held an assortment of posts with Harvey Nichols, PPR, Lane Crawford and Esprit Asia. Most recently, he was chief operating officer of Harvey Nichols Hong Kong. While at PPR, now Kering, Wong served as president of Gucci Greater China.
In his new role with Kate Spade, Wong will head up an office that will provide various levels of support for all Kate Spade New York business in the region save for Japan. Wong and his team will cover such territories as China, Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
The company’s chief executive officer, Craig Leavitt, said, “Kate Spade New York has a long and successful history in the Asian market, and we believe the brand has a unique ability to continue to grow in this region and increase its relevance to consumers worldwide. As a key next step to realizing this potential, we are solidifying a hub in Hong Kong.”
In addition to its e-commerce business, Kate Spade New York has 41 specialty stores in the U.S., including flagships in Brazil and London and distribution in more than 400 doors worldwide. International expansion is a continuous theme for the company. Creative director Deborah Lloyd said “escape, even if it is just in your mind” was her vision for spring.