Pandora names new Greater China general manager

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Apr 6, 2022

Danish jeweller Pandora announced on Monday the appointment of Irving Holmes Wong as general manager of its China business, effective April 7.

The Copenhagen-based luxury jeweller ​said Wong will join the company as SVP and general manager of the Greater China cluster, reporting to chief commercial officer, Martino Pessina. 

In his new role, Wong will be in charge of Pandora’s business in the Greater China cluster -- a division that employs more than 2,000 people and covers 250 concept stores across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

A cosmetics veteran, Wong comes to Pandora after serving as managing director, Asia-Pacific and general manager, China for Avon. Prior to Avon, he held senior management positions at Bacardi-Martini, Revlon and L’Oreal.

​“Irving is a senior executive who has successfully transformed and grown businesses in China and neighbouring markets," said Pessina.

"He is a strategic brand-builder and brings valuable turnaround and growth-acceleration experience that will help us strengthen our position in Greater China and reach our Phoenix targets," ​a strategy in which Pandora has set a long-term target to triple the Chinese business compared to2019 and laid out a two-phase plan to achieve the growth.

In the first phase, Pandora said it will solidify the brand by establishing the core proposition of collectability, affordability and self-expression, while the second phase will focus on growing Pandora’s store network in the region.

“I feel passionate about reviving the brand in China and leading our coming growth chapter. Pandora’s ambition and strong commitment to the region is very motivating," said Wong.

"I find Pandora to be a legacy brand with a clear purpose and story and look very much forward to joining."

​In 2021, Pandora generated DKK 1.1 billion (US$161.2 million) revenue in mainland China  accounting for approximately 5% of the company’s total revenue for the year.