KCD announces the promotion of Rachna Shah to Global CEO. In her new role, Shah will oversee the Agency’s integrated yet distinct groups: Media Relations, Creative, Fashion Services, Digital, Guest Experience and VIP Services across its four offices: New York, Paris, London and Los Angeles. KCD’s Julie Mannion, a highly respected industry figure and globally renowned producer, will relinquish her role at the Agency, while continuing as Chairman of the Board of KCD. Julie will also act as special advisor on select projects. Since its inception over 40 years ago, KCD has been at the forefront of the industry, providing both production and communication services across luxury fashion and its adjacent lifestyle spaces. The Agency holds the esteemed position it does today thanks to the dedication, fortitude, and passion of Mannion and the late Ed Filipowski, who co-led KCD since 1994.
Through Mannion’s leadership of the Agency and Creative Group, KCD became industry trailblazers in building memorable events. Mannion has personally collaborated with key creatives including Calvin Klein, Daniel Lee, Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace, Helmut Lang, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Ralph Lauren, Stuart Vevers, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch and Vera Wang amongst others. Mannion has cultivated and nurtured relationships with set designers, artists and many of the talented vendors all over the world who have gone on to establish and define industry standards. Additionally, Julie has been a staunch champion and leader in the support of New York fashion and is responsible for some of the city’s most memorable industry galvanizing fundraising moments.
One of Mannion’s most notable achievements has been the development and fostering of KCD’s Fashion Services Group which is responsible for providing brands and designers with a core organizational foundation: building and managing creative teams for fashion shows and campaigns and overseeing the collection and instrumental back-of-house processes for clients globally. In addition, Mannion further evolved show calling and direction systems used by many teams today.
Shah joined KCD in 1997 as an assistant publicist under her mentor, Ed Filipowski. She has led the global Media Relations Group for over six years as Partner and Managing Director. Recognized as a highly skilled communications, marketing and guest experience expert, Shah has worked with a broad range of clients from luxury to contemporary designer brands, leading vertical retail brands, as well as key fashion and cultural organizations. As CEO, she adds global oversight of the Creative Group to her existing responsibilities.
“To have the ability to work in a field you are passionate about is a privilege,” says Mannion. “It has been my honor to learn, evolve and grow alongside the incredible teams and clients, current and past, who have helped shape and define KCD for the past 43 years. I started with the visionary partners and mentors: Kezia Keeble, Paul Cavaco and John Duka, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to grow the Agency with the dynamic partnership of the fearless Ed Filipowski. It is with the utmost respect and anticipation that I look to my fellow partners: Rachna, Renee, Nan, Alexis, Marty and Billy and our talented global staff to define the future of KCD and continue to create the difference.”
“Passion, creativity and an uncompromising commitment to our employees and clients is at the core of KCD’s values and what has fueled me throughout my career. With the support of our incredible teams, I am beyond honored to lead the Agency’s next evolution and to uphold the momentum and standards set by its founders and leaders,” says Shah.
KCD will retain its long-tenured agency leadership across its global offices. This includes Renee Barletta as Partner, Media Relations; Nan Richards as Partner, Managing Director KCD London; Alexis Arnault as Partner, Media Relations KCD Paris; Marty Griffeth as Partner, Global Finance Director; William Marroletti as Partner, General Counsel; Dale Westgarth as SVP Media Relations, KCD London; and Lauren Paris as SVP Guest Experience. KCD recently announced new leadership roles dedicated to the Global Creative Group, appointing Adrien Giraux as EVP Global Creative Group and Gretchen Vater as Managing Director Global Creative Group.
Image Credit: Sansho Scott
