Zurich — Cartier-owner Richemont’s technology chief Jean-Jacques van Oosten is leaving after only four months in the job, during which the Swiss group bid for control of online retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter to boost web sales. Richemont and luxury goods peers are seeking to ramp up e-commerce operations and attract younger shoppers, as online sales become one of the industry’s fastest growth drivers. Richemont, which also owns watchmaker IWC and fashion label Chloe, hired Van Oosten for the newly created technology role as part of this drive, alongside a former LVMH human resources director with a tech-savvy profile. Shortly after Van Oosten started in January, the group announced a €2.8bn bid for full control of Milan-based YNAP, putting the multibrand retailer at the centre of its e-commerce efforts. The shifting backdrop at the company following Van Oosten’s appointment was linked to his departure, a source close to the company said on Thursday, adding that Richemont’s focus on boos...
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