Robert Bensoussan, has sixteen years of international experience as managing director, advisor and investor in the field of both fashion and luxury goods.

A Spanish national, he has established himself as one of the most respected European managers, having contributed to the development and restructuring of prestigious groups where he has operated in a number of strategic positions.

From 1980 to 1991, these positions, both in Brazil and Paris included Director for Lacoste, Charles Jourdan, Sonia Rykiel and Escada.

From 1992 to 1997, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive of Christian Lacroix (Paris) and this was followed shortly after by his role as Chief Executive of Gianfranco Ferrè (Milan) from 1999 until 2000. A brand name of which the revenues were at $300 million, he successfully managed the turnaround of this company, by organising the sale of a majority ownership to IT holding; a luxury group listed on the Milano Stock Exchange.

In addition to his managerial responsibilities, Robert Bensoussan has been retained in the last few years by large corporations as strategic advisor and director as well as being a substantial investor in the luxury goods sector. In 1994, he joined the board of Interparfums Inc (New York), a prestigious perfume licensing company, listed on the Nasdaq. In 1998, he was retained by Burberry (London) to work on the repositioning of the brand in Europe and Asia, with special focus on production, product and distribution.

In 1999, he put together the Joseph (London) £100 million deal (LBO), bringing as partners Albert Frère (CNP) and LV Capital (LVMH).

In November 2001, together with Phoenix Equity Partners, a leading private equity fund management business, Robert Bensoussan set up Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd which acquired a 51% stake in Jimmy Choo (London). As chief executive of Jimmy Choo, a company internationally renowned by elegant women and celebrities for glamorous shoes, Robert Bensoussan managed the remarkable growth of the business and oversaw its range of products extend from shoes to bags to small leather goods and the opening of 23 new branded outlets.

The company took another dramatic step forward in November 2004 with the Lion Capital (previously known as Hicks Muse (Europe) announcement to acquire a majority shareholding in Jimmy Choo - a transaction valuing the company at £101 million. With Robert Bensoussan remaining CEO, & sales of some £40 million, current plans include the opening a total of 50 outlets by 2008.