Former Victoria’s Secret exec Annika Pieridou Ocharan joins Skims as Retail Operations Director, EMEA
Skims, an underwear and clothing brand cofounded by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, has appointed Annika Pieridou Ocharan as Retail Operations Director, EMEA. In a LinkedIn post, Ocharan, whose CV includes an 11 year stint at Victoria’s Secret, said: “After many years in retail, I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter with a brand that is changing the way we think about product, experience and retail.”
She added: “As Skims continues to grow, I’m looking forward to helping shape and scale our retail operations, supporting and inspiring our teams, and exposing even more customers across the region to the Skims experience.”
“I’m also particularly happy to be working again with Judy Genovese, alongside so many talented and inspiring leaders. There is something very special about crossing paths again at a completely different stage of our careers and on such an exciting journey. Lots to learn, lots to build and plenty to celebrate along the way. Very happy to be part of what comes next.”
London calling
This summer saw the opening of Skim’ first UK standalone store as the company continued its expansion drive in the EMEA region.
It has signed up to a 12,000 sq ft site at 245-247 Regent Street, London, inking a ten-year lease on the space that was previously a Ted Baker flagship.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
