Rachna Shah appointed as Global CEO at KCD

KCD advances Rachna Shah to the role of global CEO By Roxanne Robinson Date Dec 12, 2023 Significant alterations are taking place at KCD in anticipation of the upcoming year. 

The firm, renowned for pioneering modern fashion and luxury public relations and production, began operations in 1984. KCD was co-developed by Julie Mannion, along with fashion stylists and company founders, Kezia Keeble and Paul Cavaco, beginning 1981.

 Mannion will be stepping down from her role at KCD. In the newly established position of global CEO, Rachna Shah will be responsible for managing different divisions such as media relations, creative, fashion services, digital, guest experience, and VIP services at all KCD locations including New York, Paris, London, and Los Angeles. The role effectively starts on December 11, 2023. 

Mannion served a highly noticeable role at fashion shows, overseeing model runway walks from the DJ and tech booth, ensuring a consistent beat on the catwalk. She has led KCD since 1994, initially with the late Ed Filipowski and recently with Shah. Shah will take over from Mannion, partnering with EVP global creative group appointee, Adrien Giraux, and managing director global creative group, Gretchen Vater. 

The duo has been working intensively with Mannion in constructing new business and global growth prospects. Mannion's contributions aren't just restricted to her creating a show calling system. She has also established and nurtured KCD's fashion services group, which aids brands in constructing and supervising creative teams for shows and campaigns. 

Ensuring up-to-the-mark collection and instrumental processes at the back of the house is also a part of her legacy. Shah joined KCD after graduating from NYU in journalism and French literature in 1997. She initially worked as an assistant publicist on brands such as Victoria's Secret and Avon Cosmetics. Shah steadily climbed the ranks at KCD, culminating in her partnership in 2017, running the agency alongside Ed Filipowski until his death in 2020. Shah has considerable skills in communications, marketing, and guest experience. She excels in managing clients ranging from luxury to contemporary designer brands and leading vertical retail brands. 

The long-standing employees are part of the family-like atmosphere at KCD. Veterans of the agency include Renee Barletta, Nan Richards, Alexis Arnault, Marty Griffeth, and Billy Marroletti. Even the office manager Yvette McGregor has a long tenure at KCD for more than 23 years.

 The familial ideology at KCD originates from its establishment when Paul Cavaco and Kezia Keeble, formed the agency with former New York Times fashion journalist John Duka. The firm aided in launching several prominent faces in the fashion industry. KCD has had its fair share of ups and downs. Keeble lost the battle to breast cancer in 1990. Cavaco sold the agency to Mannion, Filipowski, and Robert Meola (who died of AIDS in 1999) when he left to join the late Liz Tilberis for the relaunch of Harper's Bazaar. 

The agency underwent a rebranding in 1991 and was christened KCD, opening its location in the burgeoning Meatpacking District in 1998. The firm has been based near Hudson Yards since 2020. KCD spread its wings in Europe in 2000 with its Paris office. Over the years it expanded to different locations, utilizing its expertise in PR, production, digital, creative, and more across the world.