André Maeder
Chief executive of Selfridges Group
André Maeder is a department store executive and chief executive of Selfridges Group, which owns Selfridges in the United Kingdom, De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands and Brown Thomas Arnotts in Ireland. He previously led Germany's KaDeWe Group from 2014 to 2023 and has more than thirty years of experience in retail and brands.
| Role | Chief executive of Selfridges Group (since May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Also | Chief executive of Selfridges (since October 2024) |
| Previous role | Chief executive of KaDeWe Group (2014 to 2023) |
| Earlier career | Harrods, Hugo Boss, Charles Vögele Group |
| Association | President, Intercontinental Group of Department Stores |
Who is André Maeder?
André Maeder is a luxury retail executive who has led two of Europe's best known department store groups. Since May 2024 he has been chief executive of Selfridges Group, and since October 2024 he has also been chief executive of Selfridges itself. He brings more than three decades of executive experience in retail and global brands.
Career
Maeder held executive board roles at Harrods, Hugo Boss and the Swiss fashion retailer Charles Vögele Group. In 2014 he became chief executive and managing director of the KaDeWe Group, where he was credited with driving the transformation of its three luxury department stores: KaDeWe in Berlin, Alsterhaus in Hamburg and Oberpollinger in Munich. He stepped down from KaDeWe on 1 November 2023.
In October 2023 Selfridges Group announced that he would become its chief executive, effective 1 May 2024, with a move to London. In July 2024 the group said he would also take on the role of chief executive of Selfridges, replacing Andrew Keith, who left in the autumn of that year. Maeder also serves as president of the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores and has held non executive board positions with VIU Eyewear and Zino Davidoff.
Influence on the fashion business
Department stores remain important showcases and sales channels for luxury and premium fashion brands, but they have had to reinvent themselves as shopping moves online. Maeder's work has focused on:
- The transformation of KaDeWe, Alsterhaus and Oberpollinger as luxury destinations
- Innovation and enhanced customer experiences across Selfridges Group
- Sustainability, which the group places at the centre of its stated purpose
At Selfridges Group he oversees stores in three countries, making him one of the most important retail partners for fashion brands in Europe.
Why it matters
Few executives have led both KaDeWe and Selfridges, two of the department stores that most influence how luxury is presented to European shoppers. Maeder's role makes him a key voice in the future of physical retail and in the relationship between brands and multi brand retailers. His career, which spans brand owners such as Hugo Boss as well as retailers such as Harrods, KaDeWe and Selfridges, gives him experience on both sides of that relationship, an increasingly valuable perspective as brands reconsider how they work with wholesale partners.
Frequently asked questions
Who is André Maeder?
André Maeder is the chief executive of Selfridges Group, which owns Selfridges, De Bijenkorf and Brown Thomas Arnotts. He previously led Germany's KaDeWe Group from 2014 to 2023.
What did André Maeder do at KaDeWe?
As chief executive of KaDeWe Group from 2014, Maeder was credited with driving the transformation of its three luxury department stores in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. He left on 1 November 2023 to join Selfridges Group.