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Skims Taps Michael Kors Veteran to Lead EMEA Expansion

Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand has hired Robin Gendron as its first president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as it prepares to open standalone stores in London and Dubai.
Robin Gendron is Skims' new president of Europe, Middle East and Africa, a new role for the brand.
Robin Gendron is Skims' new president of Europe, Middle East and Africa, a new role for the brand. (Courtesy)

Kim Kardashian-led shapewear brand Skims has appointed longtime Michael Kors executive Robin Gendron as its first president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Gendron joins after 15 years at Michael Kors, where he most recently served as president of EMEA. He will oversee Skims’ expansion in the region, including the launch of its first standalone stores in Dubai and London in mid-2026. The London location will debut on Regent Street, one of the city’s busiest and most prestigious shopping districts.

In the coming months, Skims will enter several retailers across Switzerland, Turkey and Scotland, including Swiss department store Globus and the luxury chain Beyman in Turkey. The company said its EMEA debut comes with “high expectations for rapid scaling,” supported by the launch of its first regional warehouse earlier this year.

“[Robin’s] leadership will be instrumental in navigating complex markets,” said Jens Grede, co-founder and chief executive of Skims.

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The brand is in the midst of an aggressive global rollout. In the US, it is on track to open 16 new locations this year, including a Chicago flagship, bringing its domestic footprint to 22 stores. In Mexico, five locations are set to open this fall through a franchise partnership. In total, Skims plans to enter seven new markets over the next few months.

Learn more:

Exclusive: Skims’ Plan for Global Domination

Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand is preparing to enter many new markets in the US and, increasingly, globally. CEO Jens Grede spoke with The Business of Fashion about his vision to create ‘the Apple store of apparel.’

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