Mandy West has been named chief executive officer of St. John Knits, effective immediately.
The post of global CEO had been held by Andy Lew, who a year ago stepped up to become executive president of the brand’s parent company, Lanvin Group. Following his promotion, St. John operated under an executive committee, of which West was a member as chief commercial officer.
West joined St. John in 2019 as vice president of retail leading the brand’s store strategy. In 2023, she was promoted to senior vice president of retail, wholesale and buying before assuming her most recent post in January 2025.
“I have always believed that the most iconic brands are built on the backs of loyal clients and St. John is proof of that,” said West. “This brand has dressed pioneers; women who walked into boardrooms, courthouses and professional spaces at a time when the world wasn’t always ready for them, and who did so with unwavering conviction. That history is not lost on me. It is what drives me every single day.
“I am client-obsessed, and the depth of loyalty and love for this brand is something I hold sacred,” West said. “It is an honor to become St. John’s first female CEO in over 20 years. Now, alongside our incredibly talented teams, I look forward to honoring the legacy of the company and deepening our connection with the women who have championed St. John for decades, while introducing this brand to the next generation of women.”
Earlier West held management roles at Tesla, Nike and Intermix.
Lanvin Group, which is backed by Shanghai’s Fosun International, also owns Lanvin, Sergio Rossi and Wolford.
West, who reports to Lew, is based at St. John headquarters in Anaheim, Calif.
