Marimekko Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE
17 June 2009 at 9 a.m.
CHANGES IN MARIMEKKO'S MANAGEMENT
Mr Samu-Jussi Koski, Designer and Creative Director of Marimekko's clothing
line, has announced his resignation from the company as of 1 August 2009. He
will leave his current position to pursue his creative work as an independent
designer. Marimekko has informed Samu-Jussi Koski that the company would like
him to continue as Marimekko's designer in the future.
Ms Virva Launo, MA, (32) has been appointed as the new Creative Director of
Marimekko's clothing line as of 1 August 2009. She will be responsible for the
company's design strategy for clothing, bags and accessories.
Virva Launo has designed bags and accessories for Marimekko since 2008. Earlier
she has held senior design roles for brands such as DKNY Jeans, Ted Baker
London, Tommy Hilfiger and Coach in New York. Most recently she has completed
independent design projects for a number of luxury brands in Europe, such as
Louis Vuitton in Paris.
Virva Launo graduated with an MA with Distinction in Fashion from the renowned
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (London). She holds a BA Fashion
Degree from Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, with a specialization
in both womenswear and accessories. She has also studied fashion at Esmod
(Paris), Polimoda (Florence), and Parsons (New York).
Ms Niina Nenonen, Director of Marimekko's clothing line, will also assume
responsibility for the company's bag and accessories line as of 1 August 2009.
Marimekko's Marketing Manager, Ms Malin Groop, has been appointed as the Group's
Marketing Director and member of the Management Group as of 1 August 2009. She
has been responsible for the company's marketing since 1 March 2009. She came to
Marimekko from Grow AB in Stockholm, Sweden.
From 1 August 2009, the Marimekko Group's Management Group will be composed of
Mika Ihamuotila as Chairman, with members Thomas Ekström (finance and
administration), Malin Groop (marketing) Päivi Lonka (international sales),
Mervi Metsänen-Kalliovaara (domestic wholesale, business-to-business sales,
sales development), Niina Nenonen (clothing, bags and accessories), Piia Rossi
(company-owned retail stores), and Helinä Uotila (production, purchases, and
interior decoration). Creative Directors Minna Kemell-Kutvonen (interior
decoration) and Virva Launo (clothing, bags and accessories) will participate in
the work of the Management Group on issues related to the company's strategy and
artistic policy.
MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Group Communications
Marja Korkeela
Tel. +358 9 758 7238
Fax +358 9 759 1676
Email: marja.korkeela@marimekko.fi
DISTRIBUTION:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd
Principal media
Marimekko's website www.marimekko.com
Marimekko, established in 1951, is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design
company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and
manufactures high-quality clothing, interior decoration textiles, bags and other
accessories. Marimekko products are sold in over 40 countries. Products with
Marimekko designs are also manufactured under licence in various countries. In
2008, the company's net sales amounted to EUR 81.1 million. Exports and
international operations accounted for 27.0% of the Group's net sales. The Group
employs about 410 people. The company's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX
Helsinki Ltd.