Is Natalie Massenet Joining Farfetch?

According to reports, the Net-a-Porter founder is heading back into e-commerce

If reports this morning are to be believed, Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet is preparing to re-enter the world of luxury e-commerce and is lining up a new role at Farfetch.

While nothing has yet been confirmed by either Massenet or the online shopping destination, her role is thought to be “advisory”, and unlikely to be full time – given her various other ongoing projects – according to the Business of Fashion. Massenet announced her departure from Net-a-Porter in September 2015, just weeks before a merger was announced with Italian company Yoox Group.

Farfetch was launched in 2007 by Portuguese entrepreneur José Neves, with its headquarters based in London. If true, Massenet joining would prove a huge boost to the company, which has been preparing itself for an IPO. The businesswoman’s reputation, contacts and experience in leading a huge global e-commerce brand would be invaluable, and could well propel Farfetch to huge international acclaim and profits.

Natalie Massenet and Caroline Rush at the 2016 Fashion Awards. Getty Images 

Farfetch connects shoppers with a carefully curated global network of boutiques and brands. According to data from web analytics firm Alexa, it now outperforms competitors including Net-a-Porter, Yoox and Neiman Marcus in terms of traffic.

Massenet, who was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in January 2016, also acts as chairman of the British Fashion Council and has her own consultancy company, Imaginary Ventures. Her most recent project was turning the British Fashion Awards into a global celebration of style.

PA

Via Harper’s Bazaar UK