ROBERT BURKE | CHAIRMAN & CEO
Prior to founding Robert Burke Associates in 2006, Robert served as the Senior Vice President of Fashion and Public Relations for Bergdorf Goodman, the world’s leading multi-brand luxury retailer. At Bergdorf, Robert was responsible for overseeing all luxury and fashion brands including women’s, men’s, accessories, and decorative home. While at Bergdorf Goodman, Robert discovered many of the important designers of today and developed strong working relationships with the most prominent CEOs and executives in the luxury and fashion industries. Prior to joining Bergdorf Goodman, Robert spent eleven years at Ralph Lauren in various managerial roles throughout the retail organization.
Robert’s extensive experience and unique background, combined with his close personal relationships with industry leaders have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the luxury sector. Robert is frequently credited as a retail authority in such media as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, Women’s Wear Daily, Bloomberg and Business of Fashion, amongst others.
JOHN DERMOTT MITCHELL | PRESIDENT
As a corporate lawyer prior to joining RBA, John spent over twenty five years working with some of the world’s premier luxury brands and conglomerates. He has worked closely with such top European and American designers as Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent on the licensing and distribution of their various product lines. John was a leading member of the team that advised Prada on the launch of its business in the U.S. and continued to counsel the brand as it developed and expanded its global business.
John’s work with major multinational corporations including LVMH, Bvlgari, Estee Lauder, Paramount Pictures and CBS has included a full range of issues such as intellectual property, contractual relations, product placements, corporate structure and international operations. John has had substantial experience structuring joint ventures and strategic alliances and the negotiation for complex business transactions, international mergers and acquisitions.
RONALD FRASCH | RON FRASCH ASSOCIATES
Ron Frasch is currently CEO of Ron Frasch Associates LLC and is also a non-executive director of Burberry Group PLC. and of Crocs Inc. Ron previously held positions of President and Chief Merchandising Officer, and Vice Chairman of Saks Fifth Avenue Inc., between 2004 and 2013, and was Chief Executive of Bergdorf Goodman Inc., between 2000 and 2004. Ron Frasch Associates works in conjunction with Robert Burke Associates on select projects.