Children’s party and lifestyle brand, Meri Meri, has named Kelly Lees as its new ceo.
Since joining the business over a year ago as chief marketing officer, Lees has grown the direct-to-consumer business more than 140% while continuing to strengthen the wholesale distribution across 69 countries in over 5,000 retailers.
Based in London, Lees will be responsible for overseeing the US and UK markets, reporting to founder and president, Meredithe Stuart-Smith.
With over two decades of experience, Lees is an omni-channel strategist and digital marketing leader who has held previous executive positions at Dr Martens, Tech Will Save Us and Jack Wills. She has an impressive track record in expanding wholesale brands to digital channels and growing direct-to-consumer business operations on a global scale.
Kelly commented: “My first priorities are to ensure that our online experience continues to drive high repeat purchase and engagement, and that our wholesale customers are fully stocked for peak season.
“Online sales of celebration products are already up 150% year-over-year and our new reusable bamboo range and fully compostable eco party ranges are setting the trend in sustainable partyware. Customers were drawn to our products during Covid as a means to bring some fun into their homes, so as we enter the next “roaring 20’s”, the opportunities to scale the Meri Meri brand are beyond exciting.”
Meri Meri founder Meredithe Stuart-Smith continues in her role as president and creative director, leading the product design and production team from Cheltenham, UK. She added: “In the ever-changing world of retail we are pleased to have someone with Kelly’s digital and marketing background to help take the business into a new, more relevant, direction.
“I look forward to working with Kelly to build the brand and ensure that we maintain the core DNA of Meri Meri.”
