Australian online eco-fashion retailer James&Co has established an Advisory Board. The board will comprise of non-executive directors Diane Shelton (chair), Diane (Di) Landau, and Sebastian Robertson.
Effective immediately, the Advisory Board will counsel the strategic direction of the business, drive its operational framework and implement governance mechanisms to ensure its growth in the worldwide marketplace.
Founder and CEO of James&Co, Anne Hurley, says operating a lean business in the digital world is the way forward for James&Co.
“As we're expanding, it’s important to have the right skillset to ensure supplier transparency, products are top quality and priced properly, processes are optimised for selling in the global marketplace, and the business has a clear strategic focus measured against measurable goals,” she explains. “Most importantly, the formation of an independent Advisory Board will maximise the customer experience by ensuring a more customer-centric approach.”
Shelton will be responsible for providing guidance and advice on customer-first marketing strategy, consumer research and innovation. She is an experienced marketing strategist, customer consultant and senior executive with services, FMCG and retail companies such as Bluesky Media Corp, NBN Co, Kidspot and Coles.
Landau’s role will be to look after the business development, business operations and strategy. Based in California, US, Landau is currently the CEO of Global Resources where she serves as a senior advisor and problem-solver to boards, CEOs, and Fortune 500 technology firms. Landau has over 25 years of experience in developing and managing in-country operations for more than 70 international information and communications technology (ICT) and infrastructure projects.
Robertson is a recognised social entrepreneur and will provide guidance on bringing a sustainable business model to James & Co to ensure its core focus on sustainability and ethically sourced products and operations. He founded the social enterprise Batyr and was its founding CEO for four years before moving to run a small company in the renewable energy space in Australia. James&Co is a partner of Batyr, donating two per cent of sales to mental health initiatives for young people.
“The expertise that each board member brings will be essential in meeting all James&Co goals, especially our sustainable and ethical standards. In common with the B Corp agenda we aim to demonstrate that business can be used as a force for good and we aim to do this through cementing our position as a company that offers products that are sustainable, animal-free, and donates a percentage of its revenues to community benefit.”
James&Co specialises in designing, manufacturing and selling ‘faux’ leather fashion and accessories. It recently launched in the UK and the US markets under new local web domains (jamesandco.boutique/) to increase local relevance and create an offering tailored to domestic shoppers.