Holt Renfrew , Canada’s leading luxury retailer, has named Franco Savastano president and chief executive officer.

Savastano is an experienced multibrand retailer who had a seven-year stint as CEO of the Zurich-based department store Jelmoli, which was followed in late 2019 by his appointment as CEO of Globus, another Zurich-based department store.

In September 2024, the Central Group, a family-owned retail, property and hospitality conglomerate based in Thailand, took over all nine of Globus’ doors. Savastano’s tenure there was marked by the forging of new partnerships with luxury brands and store renovations.

Jelmoli permanently closed in February, after 126 years of operation. It was Switzerland’s oldest and largest department store.

Savastano’s arrival at the Toronto-based Holt R

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