Latest news with #JamieSalter
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Owner Of Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Dockers Expects Brisk Growth, Hiring In Asia
Authentic Brands Group Chairman and CEO Jamie Salter traveled to Shanghai to open the company's ... More Asia-Pacific regional headquarters earlier this month. Canadian businessman Jamie Salter first arrived in China in the 1980s in the early part of the country's reform era. 'They were just building the highways. I would stop and go to McDonald's and get a bunch of burgers' because there were so few restaurants with Western-style food, Salter recalled in an interview in Shanghai last week with Forbes China, the Chinese-language edition of Forbes. Since then, factories along the roadways have been replaced by condos and apartments, and 'you have every name-brand restaurant and all these fancy hotels,' he said. Salter's career, which started in the sporting goods business, has taken off, too. The New York-based brand licensing business he founded in 2010 and chairs, Authentic Brands Group, has expanded into what it calls 'a multifaceted lifestyle, sports, entertainment and digital platform' for world-renowned names, such as Reebok, Shaquille O'Neal, Brooks Brothers and others. Authentic's portfolio generates more than $32 billion in global annual retail sales, according to company figures. Shareholders in the privately held business include CVC, Brookfield, GIC, Temasek and General Atlantic. Salter, 62, was back in Shanghai earlier this month to announce that the city had become Authentic's new headquarters for an Asia-Pacific region that he expects will be a big source of new revenue in the coming years. 'I always said that I truly believe that the Asia-Pacific -- and specifically China -- will be the biggest consumer market in the world. And I still believe that to this day,' Salter said. The region currently accounts for nearly 15% of Authentic's business yet 'should be almost as big as the United States, (which) represents roughly 60% of our total turnover,' he said. 'So the upside in the Asia-Pacific is probably 5x of what we are doing today over the next three to five years.' Optimism about the Asia-Pacific's economic outlook is underscored by recent International Monetary Fund forecasts. Growth for the Asia region is projected to be 3.9% in 2025, double its prediction of an 1.8% gain in U.S. GDP this year. Salter picked Shanghai as its regional hub because 'we think it's sort of the capital of where all the business is going be done,' comparable in clout to the role of New York. 'To me, Shanghai's New York City. That's the way I think about it. I've been coming here for a long time. I used to spend a lot of time in Hong Kong. I actually went to Shanghai every year. I just got busier, and there were more people to see. I found myself not running back to Hong Kong to do the business. I was doing all the business in Shanghai.' Salter is particularly upbeat about China in part because of improvements in the quality of goods made in the country. 'What I'm really excited about is (that) the product continues to just get better and better. It's far superior, actually, to the product that is sold in America today' and similar to Europe, he said. Looking ahead, Authentic's overall approach to business in Asian markets won't differ much from elsewhere. 'Think global, act local -- that's really important,' Salter said. Japan, South Korea, China and the Philippines are 'all very different as far as the cultures go,' including their social media influencers, he observed. Success requires 'making sure that we understand those cultures and invest in each region, in order to make sure we're making the right product for the consumer and to make sure that we have the right marketing behind that.' 'And that means that you need people,' Salter noted. In the U.S., Authentic has an 'asset light' business model with 400 employees. In the Asia-Pacific, however, it currently has only 60, 'so you're going to see the headcount go up dramatically in Asia-Pacific compared to other markets. We'll be adding a lot of people over here.' Levi Strauss last month announced plans to sell Dockers to Authentic Brands Group in a deal worth up ... More to $391 million. 'We believe that Dockers is a very underutilized brand,' Authentic Chairman and CEO Jamie Salter told Forbes China. (Photo by) Salter expressed optimism about the future of the Dockers brand recently purchased by Authentic from Levi Strauss for $311 million. With about 44% of Dockers' business coming from the U.S., the larger share of revenue is already from international customers, he said. Levi's, best-known from its denim business, didn't want to introduce denim pants to the Dockers brand; Authentic believes it can grow that segment globally. 'We believe that Dockers is a very underutilized brand,' he said. Salter also was upbeat about the Asia-Pacific potential of Sports Illustrated, a media Authentic purchased from Meredith Corp. for $110 million in 2019. Sports Illustrated has since expanded beyond media through SI Tickets, a fan-first ticketing platform, and SI Resorts, marketed as destination for active lifestyles and sports enthusiasts. 'There are markets that we truly believe it will expand quite well -- Japan, because it's got a very big sports franchise business out there, Korea and of course, China,' he said. Forbes China licensee Yingli Investment is an affiliate of Advanced Regent, the Greater China licensee of Sports Illustrated. Advanced Regent launched the brand in China last year.
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic reinforces global strategy with APAC headquarters in Shanghai
Fashion Network: Over the past few years, the performance of many brands in China's market has not been that competitive. Why has Authentic still chosen to set up its APAC center in Shanghai instead of other cities? Jamie Salter: We believe in the long-term potential of the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific market, and Shanghai is at the heart of that vision. Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great growth opportunities. The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localized partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands. This city also provides a complete ecosystem that supports the acceleration and localization of our portfolio brands. It is our long-term commitment to this market. FN: What key brands will Authentic focus on developing in the Greater China/APAC area? Matt Maddox: Our strategic partnerships are driving significant success across our brand portfolio. Nautica is thriving through our collaboration with Tristate, whose deep expertise in China's apparel market and understanding of the brand have proven invaluable. For Hunter, our partnership with Baozun leverages their robust digital, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, perfectly suiting a brand focused on quality, performance and storytelling. Brooks Brothers is gaining renewed momentum thanks to ImagineX, a leading partner in building premium local brands. Finally, Champion 's explosive growth is a direct result of our collaboration with Belle Fashion, which has expertly positioned the brand in key retail channels and effectively connected with the right consumers. FN: What are the criteria for choosing these local partners? Matt Maddox: With nearly 1,800 global partners, our primary focus consistently centers on the product. We prioritize collaborations that effectively represent the brands and yield products genuinely valued by regional customers. This emphasis on product and quality naturally leads to considerations of operational synergy and collaborative methodologies. We are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable relationships built over many years. Our aspiration is for our global brands to also achieve local relevance, both here and in other markets, thereby significantly broadening our partnership footprint worldwide. FN: How do you manage brands with different cultural backgrounds across regional markets? Jamie Salter: Our core business model remains consistent globally; however, cultural adaptation is paramount. While product is key, we recognize the importance of localization: approximately 50% of our product line is global, with the remaining 50% tailored to local preferences. The world is shrinking due to social media and influencers, leading to increasingly similar styles worldwide. The time lag for trends to travel, once six months from Europe to America, has significantly shortened in the digital age. Therefore, our strategy is firmly 'Think Global, Act Local,' a practice we will continue to refine. We're observing a significant shift with products from Japan, Korea, and China, like the highly sought-after Champion Japan collection, now influencing the American market. Our asset-light business model facilitates this global collaboration, ensuring all partners can access diverse products. FN: How do you manage different teams that have varying cultural dynamics? Matt Maddox: From a cultural standpoint, we deeply value listening to our local teams and understanding that operational approaches and team dynamics vary significantly by region. This philosophy extends to our regional companies, each operating almost autonomously rather than receiving top-down directives from Europe, North America, or China, ensuring they effectively cater to their respective local cultures. FN: Aside from brand management, Authentic also operates a sports and entertainment business. Are there plans to expand this business locally? Jamie Salter: Our playbook remains centered on building out sports and entertainment, encompassing live events, experiences and media, much of which is already in motion. With Sports Illustrated, for example, we have live events in Singapore, and we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. With figures like David Beckham present and Sports Illustrated established, alongside live events in Singapore, we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. This expansion will involve both existing brands and the integration of new local celebrities and athletes, with a critical focus on their global appeal. Our 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy dictates that while we adapt to local markets, any engagement—particularly brand acquisitions—must have international travel potential. We believe that what resonates in one market, such as China, can indeed find success back in America. As a global company, we may engage in collaborations for purely local ventures, but our acquisitions prioritize brands with global reach.
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic reinforces global strategy with APAC headquarters in Shanghai
Fashion Network: Over the past few years, the performance of many brands in China's market has not been that competitive. Why has Authentic still chosen to set up its APAC center in Shanghai instead of other cities? Jamie Salter: We believe in the long-term potential of the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific market, and Shanghai is at the heart of that vision. Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great growth opportunities. The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localized partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands. This city also provides a complete ecosystem that supports the acceleration and localization of our portfolio brands. It is our long-term commitment to this market. FN: What key brands will Authentic focus on developing in the Greater China/APAC area? Matt Maddox: Our strategic partnerships are driving significant success across our brand portfolio. Nautica is thriving through our collaboration with Tristate, whose deep expertise in China's apparel market and understanding of the brand have proven invaluable. For Hunter, our partnership with Baozun leverages their robust digital, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, perfectly suiting a brand focused on quality, performance and storytelling. Brooks Brothers is gaining renewed momentum thanks to ImagineX, a leading partner in building premium local brands. Finally, Champion 's explosive growth is a direct result of our collaboration with Belle Fashion, which has expertly positioned the brand in key retail channels and effectively connected with the right consumers. FN: What are the criteria for choosing these local partners? Matt Maddox: With nearly 1,800 global partners, our primary focus consistently centers on the product. We prioritize collaborations that effectively represent the brands and yield products genuinely valued by regional customers. This emphasis on product and quality naturally leads to considerations of operational synergy and collaborative methodologies. We are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable relationships built over many years. Our aspiration is for our global brands to also achieve local relevance, both here and in other markets, thereby significantly broadening our partnership footprint worldwide. FN: How do you manage brands with different cultural backgrounds across regional markets? Jamie Salter: Our core business model remains consistent globally; however, cultural adaptation is paramount. While product is key, we recognize the importance of localization: approximately 50% of our product line is global, with the remaining 50% tailored to local preferences. The world is shrinking due to social media and influencers, leading to increasingly similar styles worldwide. The time lag for trends to travel, once six months from Europe to America, has significantly shortened in the digital age. Therefore, our strategy is firmly 'Think Global, Act Local,' a practice we will continue to refine. We're observing a significant shift with products from Japan, Korea, and China, like the highly sought-after Champion Japan collection, now influencing the American market. Our asset-light business model facilitates this global collaboration, ensuring all partners can access diverse products. FN: How do you manage different teams that have varying cultural dynamics? Matt Maddox: From a cultural standpoint, we deeply value listening to our local teams and understanding that operational approaches and team dynamics vary significantly by region. This philosophy extends to our regional companies, each operating almost autonomously rather than receiving top-down directives from Europe, North America, or China, ensuring they effectively cater to their respective local cultures. FN: Aside from brand management, Authentic also operates a sports and entertainment business. Are there plans to expand this business locally? Jamie Salter: Our playbook remains centered on building out sports and entertainment, encompassing live events, experiences and media, much of which is already in motion. With Sports Illustrated, for example, we have live events in Singapore, and we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. With figures like David Beckham present and Sports Illustrated established, alongside live events in Singapore, we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. This expansion will involve both existing brands and the integration of new local celebrities and athletes, with a critical focus on their global appeal. Our 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy dictates that while we adapt to local markets, any engagement—particularly brand acquisitions—must have international travel potential. We believe that what resonates in one market, such as China, can indeed find success back in America. As a global company, we may engage in collaborations for purely local ventures, but our acquisitions prioritize brands with global reach.
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic reinforces global strategy with APAC headquarters in Shanghai
Fashion Network: Over the past few years, the performance of many brands in China's market has not been that competitive. Why has Authentic still chosen to set up its APAC centre in Shanghai instead of other cities? Jamie Salter: We believe in the long-term potential of the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific market, and Shanghai is at the heart of that vision. Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great growth opportunities. The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localised partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands. This city also provides a complete ecosystem that supports the acceleration and localisation of our portfolio brands. It is our long-term commitment to this market. FN: What key brands will Authentic focus on developing in the Greater China/APAC area? Matt Maddox: Our strategic partnerships are driving significant success across our brand portfolio. Nautica is thriving through our collaboration with Tristate, whose deep expertise in China's apparel market and understanding of the brand have proven invaluable. For Hunter, our partnership with Baozun leverages their robust digital, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, perfectly suiting a brand focused on quality, performance and storytelling. Brooks Brothers is gaining renewed momentum thanks to ImagineX, a leading partner in building premium local brands. Finally, Champion 's explosive growth is a direct result of our collaboration with Belle Fashion, which has expertly positioned the brand in key retail channels and effectively connected with the right consumers. FN: What are the criteria for choosing these local partners? Matt Maddox: With nearly 1,800 global partners, our primary focus consistently centres on the product. We prioritise collaborations that effectively represent the brands and yield products genuinely valued by regional customers. This emphasis on product and quality naturally leads to considerations of operational synergy and collaborative methodologies. We are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable relationships built over many years. Our aspiration is for our global brands to also achieve local relevance, both here and in other markets, thereby significantly broadening our partnership footprint worldwide. FN: How do you manage brands with different cultural backgrounds across regional markets? Jamie Salter: Our core business model remains consistent globally; however, cultural adaptation is paramount. While product is key, we recognise the importance of localisation: approximately 50% of our product line is global, with the remaining 50% tailored to local preferences. The world is shrinking due to social media and influencers, leading to increasingly similar styles worldwide. The time lag for trends to travel, once six months from Europe to America, has significantly shortened in the digital age. Therefore, our strategy is firmly 'Think Global, Act Local,' a practice we will continue to refine. We're observing a significant shift with products from Japan, Korea, and China, like the highly sought-after Champion Japan collection, now influencing the American market. Our asset-light business model facilitates this global collaboration, ensuring all partners can access diverse products. FN: How do you manage different teams that have varying cultural dynamics? Matt Maddox: From a cultural standpoint, we deeply value listening to our local teams and understanding that operational approaches and team dynamics vary significantly by region. This philosophy extends to our regional companies, each operating almost autonomously rather than receiving top-down directives from Europe, North America, or China, ensuring they effectively cater to their respective local cultures. FN: Aside from brand management, Authentic also operates a sports and entertainment business. Are there plans to expand this business locally? Jamie Salter: Our playbook remains centred on building out sports and entertainment, encompassing live events, experiences and media, much of which is already in motion. With Sports Illustrated, for example, we have live events in Singapore, and we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. With figures like David Beckham present and Sports Illustrated established, alongside live events in Singapore, we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. This expansion will involve both existing brands and the integration of new local celebrities and athletes, with a critical focus on their global appeal. Our 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy dictates that while we adapt to local markets, any engagement—particularly brand acquisitions—must have international travel potential. We believe that what resonates in one market, such as China, can indeed find success back in America. As a global company, we may engage in collaborations for purely local ventures, but our acquisitions prioritize brands with global reach.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
David Beckham, Jamie Salter Inaugurate Authentic Brands Group APAC Headquarters in Shanghai
LONDON — David Beckham last week traveled to Shanghai for the opening of Authentic Brands Group's new Asia-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai. Authentic Brands Group in 2022 entered into a multimillion-dollar strategic partnership with the British soccer legend to co-own and manage Beckham's global brand. More from WWD Champion Signs License for Official NFL Apparel Reebok Taps Slam Jam as Partner in Europe, North and Central America Rockport's Headed to the UK and Ireland ABG said the establishment of an Asia-Pacific headquarters marks a milestone in the company's global expansion strategy, having opened Europe, the Middle East, and Africa headquarters last year in Marble Arch, London. The Shanghai office will support Authentic's growing brand portfolio and network of partners across the Greater China region and the Asia-Pacific market. 'Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great opportunities for growth,' said Jamie Salter, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of ABG, which last year teamed with Saks Global to grow its luxury propositions. 'The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localized partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands,' added Salter, who attended the opening alongside Beckham and ABG president Matt Maddox, Asia-Pacific president Wesley Chu, and executive vice president and head of Greater China Josh Perlman. Located in the same building that hosts Chanel's China head office in downtown Shanghai, the ABG Asia-Pacific headquarters span around 21,500 square feet and feature five showrooms, one style studio and an executive lounge. As the regional command center, it hosts a team across lifestyle, entertainment, brand, business development, PR and marketing. Maddox said the Shanghai office further solidifies the company's 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy, which centers around leveraging global scale with local expertise. 'This approach not only allows our growing employee network to have dedicated places to connect with one another but also provides hubs to bring in partners and offer the full Authentic experience in a singular space. With the opening of our Asia-Pacific headquarters, Authentic reinforces its strategy of building regional centers of excellence in the world's most influential markets,' he added. A global brand owner, developer and entertainment company, Authentic Brands Group has about 75 names in its stable of well-known labels that range from Juicy Couture, Reebok, Champion, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley to Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, Vince and Brooks Brothers. It generates around $32 billion in annual retail sales through a global presence in 150 countries, and its brands have more than 29,000 freestanding stores and shops-in-shop, as well as 400,000 points of sale. Best of WWD Catering to the Luxury Customer, Michael Kors Has Created a Juggernaut Brand Since 1981: A Company History and Timeline How Tommy Hilfiger Has Kept the Momentum Going for Nearly 40 Years: A History and Timeline Calvin Klein: A History and Timeline Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
