What: Sandra Swiderski, with extensive experience in international fashion retail, has taken over as general manager of KaDeWe, succeeding Oliver Kramny.

Why it is important: Appointing a leader with cross-market and process optimization expertise is crucial for legacy retailers facing market challenges and evolving consumer expectations

KaDeWe, Berlin’s iconic luxury department store, has named Sandra Swiderski as its new general manager, following the departure of Oliver Kramny for health reasons. Swiderski brings nearly two decades of experience in international fashion retail, including leadership roles at Peek & Cloppenburg and PVH Brands Austria, where she was responsible for sales, strategy, and operational optimization across multiple markets. Her appointment comes at a time of ongoing transformation for KaDeWe, which has faced significant operational and legal challenges in the wake of its former owner’s insolvency and subsequent acquisition by Central Group. Swiderski’s cross-market expertise and focus on process improvement are expected to support KaDeWe’s efforts to drive performance, enhance customer experience, and maintain its position as a leading destination in the competitive luxury retail sector. This leadership renewal reflects a broader trend among European department stores to bring in seasoned executives capable of navigating market shifts and fostering innovation. 

IADS Notes: KaDeWe’s appointment of Sandra Swiderski as general manager comes at a pivotal time for the Berlin luxury department store, following a period of significant operational and legal challenges linked to the collapse of its former owner, Signa Group, and the subsequent acquisition by Central Group (Fashion Network, December 2024). This leadership renewal reflects a broader trend in European department stores, where experienced executives with cross-market expertise are being brought in to drive transformation, operational optimization, and brand repositioning, as seen at Breuninger, Le Bon Marché, and Galeries Lafayette throughout 2025. The sector’s ongoing evolution underscores the importance of leadership stability, succession planning, and the integration of sales, strategy, and process optimization skills to navigate market challenges and shifting consumer expectations. These developments highlight how legacy retailers are leveraging new management talent to sustain relevance, foster innovation, and ensure resilience in a rapidly changing retail landscape.

KaDeWe: New general manager appointed, joining from PVH