Seafolly names CEO from DKNY as it ramps up global growth

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jan 22, 2018

Former DKNY Commercial Head Paul Kotrba has joined Australian swimwear specialist Seafolly as CEO at a time when the brand says it aims to “further develop its global growth potential.”

The 42 year-old label has named Austria-born Kotrba to the key expansion role after he spent over 15 years in New York City at Donna Karan and DKNY during its period of ownership under LVMH. 

There he “successfully built brand equity by leading the execution of the group’s commercial growth strategy across the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia.”

He said that he’s looking forward to working “to expand this powerful Australian brand across the globe. It is impressive what the founders and the management team have accomplished and to experience the loyal following the brand has, especially in Australia. I believe there is now a real opportunity to build Seafiolly into the world’s number one iconic swimwear and beach lifestyle brand.” 

Seafolly is majority owned by private equity group L Catterton Asia and chairman and managing partner Ravi Thakran said the appointment is another significant step “in the journey to expand the brand that Peter and Anthony Halas have successfully built over the last four decades. Paul’s leadership and experience will be a huge asset to in the next stage of growth and bring us closer to becoming the world’s most recognised brand in this category.” 

Founded in 1975 by Peter and Yvonne Halas, the brand was led by Anthony Halas since 1998 when he became CEO, and grew it across international markets in Europe, North America and Asia. He remains a non-executive director and shareholder.