Jott names Benjamin Durand-Servoingt as CEO

French down jacket brand Jott, founded in 2010 by the Gourdikian brothers, has appointed Benjamin Durand-Servoingt as its new CEO. He is the former COO of French group Etam, and replaces Didier Lalance, who joined Jott in early 2021, shortly after the Marseilles-based brand was acquired by the L Catterton investment fund, owner among others of Ganni, Etro, and Birkenstock.

Jott’s new boss spent nearly five years with the Etam group, from 2019 to 2024, notably as COO, but also as interim managing director for retail chains Maison 123, in 2019-20, and Etam, the latter before Marie Schott took charge at the end of 2023. Previously, Durand-Servoingt worked for eight years at consulting firm McKinsey, where he led the fashion, beauty and luxury practice in France.

His new mission is to “continue to grow the brand, and enable Jott to broaden its areas of expression and expand its product range.” Jott is confident that Durand-Servoingt “will contribute his vision, his operational rigour, his talent in revitalising brands, and his expertise in organising and structuring fashion and retail companies.”

After the acquisition by L Catterton, Jott embarked on a sustained retail expansion drive, opening stores in France and abroad. The brand currently operates more than 200 stores in some 30 countries, and its products are also commercialised via several multibrand retailers.

The change in Jott’s top hierarchy reflects the need to “breathe new momentum” into the brand and adapt it “market developments.” According to industry rumours, Jott has been experiencing difficulties in the last two years. In early 2023, online news site L’Informé reported that L Catterton was potentially considering selling Jott. 

In recent months, Jott has opened new stores in France, in Avignon, Echirolles, and in Giverny, its first outlet store. Product-wise, the range has gradually expanded to be less dependent on the winter season, with the addition of sportswear and sneakers. Jott’s latest reported revenue result, for 2022, was €150 million.