What: Central Group appoints fourth-generation family member Sean Hill as De Bijenkorf CEO, consolidating its European luxury department store operations.

Why it is important: This strategic appointment strengthens Central Group's control over its European luxury retail network while maintaining family leadership in key markets, reflecting the evolution of traditional department stores under international ownership.

Central Group has appointed Sean Hill as the new chief executive of De Bijenkorf, marking a significant development in the company's European retail strategy. Hill, a fourth-generation member of the Chirathivat family and eldest grandson of Central Group's co-founder, brings more than 15 years of retail sector experience to the role. His appointment, effective July 2025, follows an impressive career trajectory that includes positions as retail expansion manager at Rinascente, COO of Germany's KaDeWe Group, and most recently as MD of Central Group Europe, where he oversaw investments, store development, and commercial real estate. De Bijenkorf, acquired as part of the Selfridges Group in 2022, represents a crucial component of Central Group's extensive European operations, which include prestigious department stores across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Hill's commitment to building upon De Bijenkorf's customer-first approach while developing the business further signals Central Group's dedication to strengthening its position in the European luxury retail landscape.

IADS Notes: Sean Hill's appointment as De Bijenkorf CEO in July 2025 represents a significant milestone in Central Group's European department store strategy. This move follows several key developments in the company's portfolio consolidation: in October 2024, they acquired Swiss luxury chain Globus, followed by taking full control of Germany's KaDeWe Group in August 2024. The timing is particularly relevant given De Bijenkorf's recent leadership changes, with previous CEO Matthijs Visch departing in December 2024 after a brief tenure. Hill's appointment aligns with broader industry trends, as seen in March 2025 when LVMH united Le Bon Marché and La Samaritaine under single leadership, demonstrating how luxury retail groups are strengthening their operational control while maintaining distinct brand identities.

Central Group appoints Sean Hill CEO of De Bijenkorf