Ganni CEO and VIA Outlets COO Join VIA Outlets’ Board of Directors
Amsterdam, 14 May 2024 – VIA Outlets, Continental Europe’s fastest-expanding owner-operator of premium fashion outlets by gross lettable area (GLA) over the past decade, has appointed Laura du Rusquec, CEO of Danish fashion brand Ganni, and Johan Caspar Bergenthal, VIA Outlets’ Chief Operating Officer, to its Board as Non-Executive and Executive Directors respectively. With the addition of these two highly experienced leaders, VIA Outlets will continue to elevate the overall guest experience and positioning of its 11 premium outlet shopping destinations.
Last month Laura du Rusquec was appointed as the new CEO of Ganni, following her 15+ year tenure at global luxury group Kering. Most recently as Deputy CEO of Balenciaga, where she played an instrumental role in Balenciaga’s retail and digital development, she also excelled in senior roles at POMELLATO, Gucci group, and Kering. Du Rusquec began her career in the world of Investment banking as an analyst at Morgan Stanley.
Johan Caspar Bergenthal joined VIA Outlets as Chief Operating Officer in October 2023. Previously he was the Managing Director and Head of Territory at French listed retail real estate company Klépierre for its business in Germany, The Netherlands, and Turkey. Bergenthal was also a member of the group’s executive committee.
Otto Ambagtsheer, Chief Executive Officer of VIA Outlets, commented: “The strength of our business, and our Board, lies in our diverse skills and experiences. As we welcome Laura and Johan to the Board, their unique perspectives bring additional strength as we further shape our already robust vision for the future. Our 3R growth strategy remains at the core of VIA Outlets as we continue to champion innovation across our business while reaching our goals and inspiring our guests.”
There are now eight VIA Outlets Board Directors. The Board is comprised of four Non-Executive Directors:
- Roland Mangelmans (Director of Real Estate, APG)
- Paul Atema (Director of Real Estate, APG)
- Jaap Tonckens (Non-Executive Director)
- Laura du Rusquec (Non-Executive Director)
In addition, there are also four Executive Directors:
- Otto Ambagtsheer (CEO, VIA Outlets)
- Peter Stals (CFO, VIA Outlets)
- Rita Schroeven (Head of Legal Affairs, VIA Outlets)
- Johan Caspar Bergenthal (COO, VIA Outlets)