The mystery job that pulled Ian Rogers away from running Apple Music isn't a secret any more. Now he's heading up LVMH's efforts to to create a better Internet presence for its brands. That puts Mr. Rogers very much outside of the music industry because LVMH oversees luxury product brands.
Ian Rogers quit Apple Music for the fashion industry
Here's how LVMH describes itself:
The LVMH group comprises 70 exceptional Houses that create high quality products. It is the only group present in all five major sectors of the luxury market: Wines & Spirits, Fashion & Leather Goods, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Watches & Jewelry and Selective Retailing.
The Houses LVMH refers to are brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Thomas Pink, Dom Pérignon, Glenmorangie, De Beers, Zenith, and Tag Heuer.
Hiring Mr. Rogers is a sign that at least some luxury brands are warming up to the idea of a strong online presence and even Web-based sales. Currently, many luxury brands prefer to sell through actual stores where they can control the consumer experience.
Apple's loss could be a big win for LVMH should Mr. Rogers prove to be able to have the vision they need. For Apple, however, the move is a blow to the music industry's confidence in Apple Music.
Mr. Rogers was running Beats Music for Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre before the company was bought by Apple. He then took charge of Beats 1 Radio, which launched as part of the Apple Music streaming music service on June 30. Apple hasn't commented on his departure, although insiders said it came as a surprise.
Considering Mr. Rogers spent most of his career in the music industry, this will no doubt be a big change for him—and for LVMH.
[Thanks to Reuters for the heads up]