Canadian fashion house Joseph Ribkoff strengthens leadership team

Canadian fashion house Joseph Ribkoff has announced the appointment of two seasoned executives to its senior leadership team, signaling a major push for global expansion and brand elevation. The move is designed to accelerate the brand’s momentum in the premium contemporary womenswear market.

Stephen Belfer has been named vice president of global sales & business development. Belfer joins Joseph Ribkoff after a twelve-year tenure at Marc Cain, where he successfully managed commercial growth initiatives and strategic partnerships across wholesale, retail, and e-commerce. In his new role, Belfer will be responsible for overseeing global sales strategies and strengthening the brand’s market footprint worldwide, focusing on both performance and operational excellence.

Joining him is Brett Sugarman, who has been appointed vice president of global marketing. Sugarman brings over 15 years of extensive experience from Michael Kors, where she managed brand communication and consumer engagement strategies. Her mandate at Joseph Ribkoff is to lead the worldwide marketing strategy, focusing on brand storytelling, digital innovation, and consumer engagement to connect with the brand's loyal customer base and elevate its global presence.

Emmanuel Amzallag, CEO of Joseph Ribkoff, commented on the appointments, stating, “These appointments mark an exciting step forward. Stephen and Brett bring outstanding expertise in building international brands and driving growth. Their leadership will help us accelerate momentum, strengthen our customer connections, and reinforce our position as a global leader in premium contemporary womenswear.”

Both new executives emphasized a focus on evolving the brand while maintaining its heritage. Sugarman highlighted her goal to "build the next chapter: a modern, relevant, global brand that continues to feel personal and authentic," while Belfer stressed that the company is "not simply growing distribution; we are elevating the way the world experiences Joseph Ribkoff."

Founded in 1957, Joseph Ribkoff is a globally recognized Canadian brand present in over 65 countries with more than 3,500 retailers.