Fellow for Global Leadership and Private Equity, Singularity Academy
Former Chairwoman & CEO, Lanvin Group | Former CEO, Frontier Group

 

Joann Cheng is an accomplished global executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across finance, private equity, corporate transformation, and international brand management. Her career spans high-profile roles at multinational corporations and investment firms, with a proven track record of turning around businesses, building global platforms, and leading public listings.

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She began her career at KPMG, establishing a strong foundation in finance and audit. She later served as Financial Controller at GE Capital (Greater China), Finance Director at the global private equity firm TPG, and CFO at DJI, the world’s leading drone technology company. These roles provided her with deep exposure to corporate finance, operational management, and cross-border business strategy.

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In 2017, Joann gained international acclaim for her leadership in restructuring Tom Tailor Group, a German fashion brand. Together with the team, she successfully returned the company to profitability through a comprehensive transformation, setting a benchmark for business turnaround leadership.

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In 2018, Joann became the Founding Chairwoman and CEO of Lanvin Group, China’s first global luxury fashion platform. Under her vision, the group acquired and integrated iconic heritage brands including Lanvin (France), Wolford (Austria), St. John Knits (USA), Sergio Rossi (Italy), and Caruso (Italy). She guided the group through global expansion across Asia, Europe, and North America, and led its successful listing on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2022 (NYSE: LANV). Her work with Lanvin Group established her as a pioneering figure in cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and brand development.

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Joann was also served as CEO of Frontier Group, where she led the integration of two major business units and built a global vendor platform to optimize flexibility and scalability in the production supply chain for global brands.

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Throughout her career, Joann has been recognized for her innovation and leadership. Her accolades include the Mergermarket Annual Award (2018), BoF 500 (2022), WWD’s 50 Most Powerful Women (2022), and Female Business Innovator of the Year by SHE POWER and 36Kr (2023). These honors reflect her influence not only in finance and fashion but also in broader global business circles.

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Joann holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and an MBA from the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS). From 2019 to 2022, she served on CEIBS’ International Advisory Board, contributing to strategic educational development.

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Currently, Joann Cheng is a Fellow for Global Leadership and Private Equity at Singularity Academy, where she shares her expertise with emerging leaders. Her work focuses on developing educational and strategic insights in investment, global leadership, and innovation. She plays an active role in mentoring professionals and shaping programs that bridge the gap between business practice and executive education.