Global children’s party and lifestyle brand Meri Meri has appointed Kelly Lees as CEO. Lees joined the business over a year ago as chief marketing officer (CMO); growing the direct-to-consumer business by over 140% while continuing to strengthen wholesale distribution across 69 countries in over 5,000 retailers.

Based in London, Lees will be responsible for both the US and UK organisations, reporting to Meri Meri founder and president, Meredithe Stuart-Smith.

Omni-channel strategist Lees brings more than two decades of experience to the role.

A digital marketing leader with previous positions at Dr Martens, Tech Will Save Us and Jack Wills, she has a successful track record in expanding wholesale brands into digital channels and scaling direct-to-consumer business global operations.

Commenting on her new role, Kelly Lees says; “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 on year. Our new re-usable 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. As we enter the next “roaring 20s”, 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 the studio in Cheltenham.

Stuart-Smith, who started the multi-million dollar business over 30 years ago from her kitchen in San Francisco, comments; “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.”

 

 

Inspired by childhood imagination and grounded in sophisticated design, Meri Meri creates everything fun for life’s celebrations; partyware, seasonal decorations, heirloom-quality children’s gifts, as well as dress-up for special occasions.

For further information and wholesale enquiries, please contact customerserviceuk@merimeri.com.