BARCELONA — CNEX, parent company of manufacturer Adrien Lastic, has promoted Jackie Richerson to vice president of operations and sales (North America), and Johanna Weston to director of sales (North America and Latin America).
Both Richerson and Weston will represent all brands within CNEX, including Adrien Lastic, Alive, Femintimate and SilexD.
Serving as U.S. VP of operations and sales, Richerson will streamline operational efficiency, develop marketing strategies and implement domestic sales initiatives. She will also liaise between CNEX European headquarters and its manufacturing facility to oversee inventory management and opportunities for sourcing partnership.
“I am excited for this leadership role, because I enjoy helping individuals and teams step into their fullest potential,” said Richerson. “This position is also an opportunity to explore viable avenues for growth, like sourcing partnerships and creative product innovation. These are just two initiatives that will continue to set us apart in the market.”
Richerson spent nearly a decade as retail store manager for Hustler and Adam & Eve prior to joining Adrien Lastic as sales manager in 2017. In 2019, she was promoted to director of operations and played an instrumental role positioning the manufacturer in the U.S. sexual wellness market.
As director of sales, Weston will assist Richerson to oversee the U.S. sales team and support marketing initiatives for the company. She will also liaise with Canada, Mexico and Latin America to generate new sourcing partnerships in each territory.
"I love working for a smaller brand that I can help grow, while growing myself professionally. I thrive in environments where I can be my most creative, and slightly neurotic, self. In this role, I am able to be both organizational and creative.”
Prior to joining Adrien Lastic in 2021, Weston was a paralegal/legal assistant and eventually worked on a presidential campaign full time. "Ultimately, she felt that her self-expression was limited as a sex-positive individual," the rep said.
"I was spending a lot of time at my girlfriend’s adult store in 2015, and the owner offered me a job. I found a lot of fulfillment helping people explore their sexualities. At that time, I knew this was the industry I belonged in," Weston said.
She added, "One great thing about our industry is the opportunity to train the next generation of professionals. I look forward to creating impact in this capacity within our organization, and with retailers for years to come."
The women-led U.S. team said that it plans to "ignite product development, expand various brand offerings and bolster creative sourcing solutions."
Richerson noted, “How will we push our own innovation in an industry packed with bright ideas? We are both very excited for this opportunity.”
Both women will be traveling to Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia throughout the month for retail training. To schedule a training, email either jricherson@cnexusa.com, or jweston@cnexusa.com.
