Bacardi appoints VP of fashion
Akiko Maeda has been appointed Bacardi's VP of fashion, responsible for developing partnerships that further incorporate the group's portfolio of spirits brands into the fashion world.
Maeda will work with the marketing and commercial teams in delivering key events, social, and digital activations with fashion industry influencers. Maeda is based at the Bacardi global headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Bacardi says Maeda brings a wealth of both fashion and digital media experience to the family-owned company. She joins the company from IMG Worldwide where she served as VP – product and platform development for the group’s fashion arm. She advised emerging designers on media activities, sales and finance planning. Prior to that she was VP – social media where she designed community-based digital products for athletes and led IMG’s investment in ModaOperandi.com, an online luxury fashion retailer.
Originally from Tokyo, Maeda is fluent in Japanese and English.