“In this new post, Diz is to oversee marketing, advertising, media relations and digital responsibilities. He will report to chief executive officer Massimo Piombini and he will work closely with creative director Olivier Rousteing. Diz has been very much part of Rouesting’s inner circle as he has amassed a colossal social media following, due partially to big-name fans like Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Rihanna.”
Balmain wants to become a global leader in luxury goods under its new Qatari owners. In June 2016, DM Fashion Book reported that Mayhoola for Investments, the Qatar-based parent of Valentino and Pal Zieri, has acquired a majority stake in the high-end Paris fashion house, which has been charting rapid growth from a small base (see it here).
“Today Balmain’s business is 90 percent wholesale, but Piombini expects that its retail business will grow to 45 percent in three to five years. There currently are 16 freestanding stores.”
“Like Diz, Piombini knows Balmain’s inner workings well. Before taking on the ceo title, he was already a member of the board of directors. He also served as worldwide commercial director of Valentino SpA.”
This past July, Balmain opened its first West Coast store in Los Angeles at Melrose Place (see it here). In Europe, the Balmain team moved into new headquarters in central Paris earlier this year.
