The Iconic’s former CEO to lead parent company of Rivers, Katies, Noni B

The former chief executive of The Iconic, Erica Berchtold, has joined Mosaic Brands, which owns budget clothing brands such as Noni B, Katies and Rivers.

Berchtold departed the online fashion retailer after four years at the helm and was due to begin at Best & Less last September, but an off-market takeover saw businessman Ray Itaoui installed as CEO of the discount chain. She will now run Mosaic Brands instead.

Erica Berchtold will lead budget fashion retailer Mosaic Brands.

Mosaic chairman Richard Facioni, who owns the General Pants, SurfStitch, Ginger & Smart, National Geographic and Lego brands in Australia, said Berchtold brought more than two decades of experience in digital retail through her time leading The Iconic and Rebel Sport before that.

“Erica not only has the right skill set to drive the future direction of the group, but also a strong understanding of our customers as a former general manager of two of our brands,” he said.

Mosaic’s outgoing chief executive, Scott Evans, will step down from his role by the end of Thursday after presenting the company’s half-year results, but will remain with the business for three months to facilitate a smooth transition.

Mosaic Brands is pursuing a company turnaround after COVID lockdowns led to a downturn in in-store sales amid a scramble to pivot its online business.

The fashion retailer booked more than $170 million in losses for the 2020 financial year, but managed to eke out a $2.7 million profit the following year.

Berchtold’s appointment coincided with the release of Mosaic’s results for the December half, during which its net profit jumped 38 per cent to $5.4 million. Sales dipped 10 per cent to $254.5 million.

More to come

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