The Berlin-based fashion retailer Zalando SE confirmed the impending departure of one of its most important executives on Monday. Chief Business and Product Officer Jim Freeman will leave the company “as planned” after his contract expires on March 31 next year, the e-commerce specialist said in a statement.
Freeman has played a “substantial role” in developing the company’s strategy over the past few years and has “completed his task very successfully,” the company said. Freeman joined Zalando from Amazon in 2018 and held the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) before being promoted to his current position.
According to the company, he has since been responsible for “the development, marketing and growth of central offers for our customers” in the Zalando management team. Freeman will work closely with the leadership team during the forthcoming handover of his responsibilities and will remain “close” to the company after his departure, according to a statement.
COO David Schröder remains on board
Chief Operating Officer (COO) David Schröder will remain with Zalando for a longer period of time. The company announced that the supervisory board had decided to retain the manager.
“We are very pleased to continue working with David Schröder as Chief Operating Officer,” said Cristina Stenbeck, Chair of the Supervisory Board. “David has had a tremendous impact on our business and his work is crucial to unlocking new growth opportunities.” The COO, who has been with the company since 2010 and has held various management positions since then, will “continue to expand Zalando’s unique capabilities and offerings,” like Stenbeck.
For future success, the e-commerce specialist is now relying on an “updated business model”. Together with the correspondingly adapted structures, it marks “a decisive step for Zalando in further realizing its strategic ambitions and creating long-term values for customers, partners and shareholders through an even more agile and customer-oriented orientation”, explained Stenbeck.