European fashion and lifestyle e-commerce platform Zalando is restructuring its management board to better execute its updated strategy.  

The move comes as the retailer focuses on two primary growth vectors: business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B).  

The reshuffle will see Zalando co-founder David Schneider transition into a dedicated management board role overseeing these areas, passing on his co-CEO responsibilities to David Schröder. 

David Schröder will concentrate on building the B2B operating system to facilitate e-commerce throughout Europe and enhance Zalando's unique capabilities and infrastructure.  

Co-founder Robert Gentz will remain as co-CEO, directing efforts to expand Zalando's B2C segment and establish the platform as the premier destination for quality fashion and lifestyle shopping. 

Chief people officer Astrid Arndt will take on additional duties to provide a robust foundation for Zalando's ecosystem strategy.  

CFO Sandra Dembeck will support the strategy's successful execution with sound financial management, enabling strategic investments for long-term growth and continued margin expansion.  

The changes take effect from 1 September 2024. 

Schneider said: “One of Zalando’s strengths has always been to adapt our strategy and rotate the roles and responsibilities of its strong leadership team to make sure everyone complements each other and serves the ever-changing needs of customers and partners. 

“We are thrilled that David Schröder, who has been an integral part of Zalando's success story since the early days of 2010, will take on the co-CEO role to scale our B2B growth vector. On a personal note, I’m excited to focus even more on serving the needs of partners, lifting our deep partnerships across the industry to the next level.” 

The new ecosystem strategy, unveiled in March 2024, aims to capture a larger market share and strengthen customer and partner relationships.  

Zalando plans to enhance its B2C offerings, particularly in the sports and children and family categories.  

The B2B strategy involves leveraging Zalando’s logistics, software and service capabilities to support e-commerce for brands and retailers, both on and off the Zalando platform.  

In February 2024, Zalando committed to enhancing transparency regarding the environmental characteristics of the products it offers.