Anta Sports Beats 2024 Sales Estimates, Gucci Announces Shanghai Exhibition, and Beats Names Queen Wen as Ambassador

Anta Sports Beats 2024 Sales Estimates

Anta Sports reported a 13.6 percent revenue increase in 2024, reaching 70.8 billion yuan ($9.79 billion), surpassing analysts’ expectations. The company benefited from strong domestic demand and increased overseas attention after signing NBA star Kyrie Irving. Sales of its Kai 1 basketball sneaker surged in North America. Early 2025 sales at its major brands grew by up to 60 percent, driven by e-commerce. Future growth is expected to be supported by China’s consumer stimulus measures.

Beats Announces Chinese Tennis Star Queen Wen as Global Ambassador

Beats has officially named Chinese tennis player “Queen Wen” Zheng Qinwen as its global brand ambassador. To mark the partnership, the company released a teaser featuring Zheng wearing the newly launched Powerbeats Pro 2. Zheng expressed her enthusiasm, calling the headphones an essential part of her pre-game routine. Beats’ Chief Marketing and Product Officer Chris Thorne highlighted her competitive spirit and alignment with the brand’s values. The Powerbeats Pro 2, featuring advanced technology and four color options, is now available on Apple’s website.

Panerai Appoints Emmanuel Perrin as CEO

Panerai, the Italian luxury watch brand under Richemont, has named Emmanuel Perrin as its new CEO, effective April 1. Perrin, currently head of specialist watchmakers distribution, will replace Jean-Marc Pontroué, who is departing after 25 years with the group. Perrin brings over 30 years of experience, including leadership roles at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. He will report to Richemont CEO Nicolas Bos.

Gucci Announces the upcoming“Decoding an Icon” Exhibition in Shanghai

Gucci will host the “Gucci Bamboo: Decoding an Icon” exhibition in Shanghai from March 28 to April 6, exploring the history of its iconic Bamboo bag. Curated in collaboration with design firm 2050+, the exhibit at Sunke Villa will feature immersive installations and highlight bamboo’s cultural significance in China. The event follows recent leadership changes at Gucci, with Demna set to take over as creative director. Admission is free with advance reservations via WeChat.

Ferragamo Unveils First Fragrance Under Maximilian Davis

Ferragamo introduces Fiamma, its first fragrance under creative director Maximilian Davis, marking a new era for the brand. Developed in partnership with Interparfums Inc., the scent features a woody-floral composition and a refillable design. The launch includes a global rollout starting April 1, with a focus on key markets like the U.S., Italy, and China. The bottle design reflects Ferragamo’s heritage and commitment to sustainability, while an extensive marketing campaign aims to expand the brand’s fragrance audience.

Aranya Expands to Shanghai with Hitime North Bund

Aranya announced its collaboration with Hitime North Bund to create a “spiritual retreat” within the city. This project aims to integrate art into everyday life, establishing a high-quality cultural and commercial hub in the North Bund area. At the launch event, Aranya founder Ma Yin, Fudan University scholar Jiang Changjian, and Hitime chairman Ding Jinsong discussed urban living and the role of art in daily experiences. Since its founding in 2013, Aranya has evolved from a coastal community into a lifestyle brand with projects across China.

Nike Leadership Shakeup Continues as Two Executives Depart

Nike’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Daniel Heaf and Chief Communications Officer KeJuan Wilkins are leaving the company amid ongoing leadership changes under CEO Elliott Hill. Heaf’s role is being eliminated, with his teams moving under the finance department, while Wilkins’ successor has yet to be named. These departures come as Nike works to revitalize sales and strengthen its retail partnerships. The company will report quarterly earnings on Thursday, with analysts expecting an 11 percent sales decline.

Tencent Reports 2024 Earnings Growth, Raises Dividend, and Unveils Buyback Plan

Tencent Holdings reported revenue of RMB 660.3 billion for 2024, marking an 8 percent year-over-year increase, while net profit surged 68 percent to RMB 194.1 billion. Adjusted net profit rose 41 percent to RMB 222.7 billion. Gaming revenue grew 9 percent internationally and 10 percent in China, driven by titles like PUBG Mobile, Valorant, and League of Legends: Wild Rift. Q4 free cash flow reached RMB 4.5 billion, reflecting ongoing investments in AI and media content.